From Pedal Power to Page-turners – Chris Hoy, David Walliams Latest Names To Join the Star-Studded Lineup for CarFest 2025

With just a few more weeks to go until Chris Evans’ CarFest presented by bp pulse opens its doors, the festival has revealed two more exciting additions to this summer’s celebration of music, cars, food, and feel-good family fun. Taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend (22nd–24th August) at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire, this year’s event promises more surprises and unforgettable moments than ever before for what is shaping up to be its most sensational year yet.

Taking to The Author’s Stage will be Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy and bestselling author and comedian David Walliams. Appearing on Sunday and Friday respectively, these two household names will join an already impressive lineup of writers including Adele Parks, Ben Miller, Reverend Richard Coles, and Shaparak Khorsandi, with conversations hosted by Bryony Gordon and Ryan Tubridy.

Meanwhile, over at The StarFest stage crafted by Mazda, guests can look forward to an inspiring lineup of speakers, performers, and familiar faces sharing stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments from the worlds of entertainment, sport, and culture — all in the inimitable CarFest style.

And with CarFest bringing seven festivals in one, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the weekend. Music lovers can look forward to show-stopping performances on the Main Stage from headliners including Rita Ora, Madness, Travis, and Busted, alongside a vibrant mix of rising stars, legendary bands, and feel-good party acts across multiple stages.

For foodies, FoodFest will be serving up a feast of live demos, tastings, and expert tips from a stellar lineup of chefs including Si King, Atul Kochhar, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, and Rosemary Shrager. Step back in time at RetroFest, with classic tunes, retro fashion, nostalgic games, and throwback entertainment making it the perfect spot to soak up some old-school cool. Meanwhile, SpaFest offers guests a space to recharge, with inspiring talks, workshops, and wellness sessions from some of the country’s leading voices in health, fitness, and mindfulness.

Little ones are in for a treat at KidsFest, a world of adventure, creativity, and discovery in the heart of CarFest, designed especially for younger festivalgoers. With hands-on workshops, interactive shows, storytelling sessions, and games, it’s the perfect place for children to let loose, learn, and make magical memories.

The Wigwam Stage champions emerging musical talent, including Michael Aldag, Alice Pisano, and Harrison Mayo. After dark, Club CarFest keeps the party going with an electric mix of DJs and dancefloor anthems.

And of course, it wouldn’t be CarFest without the cars. Across the weekend, visitors can enjoy three thrilling live track shows every day, as well as a stunning collection of rare, classic, and iconic vehicles. With high-octane demos and hands-on motoring experiences, it’s a dream weekend for car lovers of all ages.

From adrenaline-fuelled car shows and live music to hands-on family fun, kid-friendly activities, and a silent cinema experience in the evenings, CarFest 2025 is set to be the ultimate summer celebration. And with 100% of the profits going to UK children’s charities, it’s a weekend of fun you can feel good about.

Don’t miss out – tickets are on sale now at www.carfest.org

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Editors notes

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: 

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

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

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

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

○      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   

●      Michelin - Protyre Autocare is the Official Track, Paddock & Driver’s Lounge Partner

●      Westcourt Retreat is the Official Premium Lounge Partner 

●      Mazda is The Official StarFest Stage and Club CarFest Partner 

SUPPORTED BY: 

●      Aspall is the Official Cider Partner 

●      Coca Cola is the Office Soft Drinks 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