Straight Eight Set to Dazzle at CarFest 2025’s Wigwam Stage

Get ready for a high-energy show as Straight Eight brings their infectious blend of soul, blues, and fun-filled entertainment to the Wigwam Stage at The BarFest Arms hosted by Timothy Taylor’s on Sunday, 24th August. Formed in 1989, this lively band is known for their unique style, where the horn section plays a starring role alongside the vocalists, creating an unforgettable performance. With a focus on upbeat, danceable tracks, they know exactly how to get the crowd moving and keep the energy high.

Having performed at festivals across the UK for many years, Straight Eight’s colourful Zoot Suits and lively stage presence make them stand out, but it's their music that always takes centre stage. Audiences can expect a feel-good set packed with soul and blues hits, all guaranteed to keep the dance floor full and the energy electric.

At The BarFest Arms, Hosted by Timothy Taylor’s, the festival’s much-loved pub setting pairs great live music with award-winning ales, including their celebrated pale ale, Landlord and their session IPA Hopical Storm, alongside a wide selection of lagers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. The Wigwam Stage is set to showcase a fantastic lineup of new artists and acoustic sets throughout the weekend. 

Now in its fifteenth year, CarFest 2025, founded by Virgin Radio presenter Chris Evans, continues to offer far more than just cars. The festival brings together six distinct experiences in one, including FoodFest for culinary enthusiasts, KidsFest for family-friendly fun, RetroFest for all things vintage, SpaFest for wellness and relaxation, StarFest featuring celebrity guests and expert talks, and, of course, CarFest itself for high-speed thrills and breathtaking car displays. 

Beyond its entertainment value, CarFest remains dedicated to its core mission of raising funds for UK children’s charities. Since its inception in 2012, the festival has donated all of its profits to charity, raising an impressive £1.26 million in 2024 alone. The 2025 edition will continue to support vital causes, including BBC Children in Need, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Young Epilepsy, and the local Hampshire hospice Naomi House & Jacksplace.

With an unbeatable lineup of live music, family-friendly entertainment, and an unwavering commitment to charitable giving, CarFest 2025 promises to be one of the summer’s most unmissable events.

Tickets for CarFest 2025 are available now at www.carfest.org.

Ends

Editors notes

About CarFest 

CarFest is the brainchild of radio presenter Chris Evans. Featuring an incredible combination of cars, food, live music and family entertainment, the inaugural weekend event was staged at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire in August 2012. 

Fundraising details: All profits from CarFest, including a percentage of the price of each ticket, will be donated to UK children’s charities.  

·       BBC Children in Need (a charity registered in England and Wales under number 802052 and in Scotland under number SC039557) will receive 50% of the total funds raised.  

·       The following six charities will each receive 7% of the total funds raised:  

o   Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust (Registered Charity No.1096491 in England & Wales and SCO44013 in Scotland) 

o   Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity (Registered Charity No. 1070532)  

o   Starlight Children’s Foundation (Registered Charity No.1062559 in England & Wales and SC039757 in Scotland)  

o   Teenage Cancer Trust (Registered Charity No.1062559 in England & Wales and SC039757)  

o   Young Epilepsy (Registered Charity No. Charity 311877 in England & Wales).  

·       Local Hampshire based hospice, Naomi's House & Jacksplace (Registered Charity No.1002832), will receive 2% of funds.  

·       The remaining 6% will be donated to a number of other charities that will be confirmed over the coming months, including charities local to CarFest event sites.  

2025 HEADLINE PARTNER: bp pulse 

bp pulse is bp’s electric vehicle (EV) charging business. It is one of the leading rapid and ultra-fast public EV charging networks in the UK and operates one of the largest number of sites with ultra-fast charging in Germany. 

Focused on fast, reliable charging, bp pulse is rolling out charge points to consumers wherever they need them: destination, on-the-go and bp forecourts. 

EV charging is one of the key growth engines driving bp's transformation to an integrated energy company. The company aims to grow its network of public EV charging points by 2030 to over 100,000 worldwide. 

bp’s here for your travel needs – mostly with petrol and diesel – but bp pulse already has over 3000 rapid and ultra-fast charging points 

2025 FEATURE PARTNERS 

• CarFest is supported by a number of key partners: 
• Cuisinart is the Official Food Experiences Partner incorporating The Chef’s Stage, The Kitchen Table and The Cook’s Companion 
• Napoleon Grills is sponsor of The Big BBQ Cookout 
• Timothy Taylor’s is the Official Beer Partner and hosts the BarFest Arms at the festival 
• Prestige Flowers is the Official Floral Partner and Sponsor of The Designer Village   
• Protyre Autocare is the Official Track, Paddock & Driver’s Lounge Partner
• Westcourt Retreat is the Official Premium Lounge Partner 

SUPPORTED BY: 

• Aspall is the Official Cider Partner 
• Domaine Des Jeanne is the Official Wine Partner 
• Staropramen is the Official Lager Partner 
• Village Hotels is the Official Hotel Partner 
• Virgin Radio UK is the Official Media Partner 
• Nirvana Spa is the Inspiration Hub Partner