Teen Ambassador for Starlight Announced in Support of CarFest presented by bp pulse 

With the ambassadors of its charity partners, CarFest aims to inspire the nation to #DoMoreGood 

CarFest presented by bp pulse was created by Chris Evans in 2012 with a simple yet profound purpose - to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thirteen years on, this mission remains at the heart of everything CarFest does. Visitors come to this family-fundraising festival to hear incredible music, make memories with loved ones, and be part of something bigger. 100% of profits from every ticket sold goes towards seven incredible charities supporting children, teens, and families across the UK. 

This year CarFest will be raising funds for BBC Children in Need which receives 50% of the total funds raised. Other national charity partners, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, Starlight, Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Epilepsy, who will each receive 7% of the funds raised. Local Hampshire based charity Naomi’s House & Jacksplace will receive 2%. The remaining 13% will be donated to additional causes, including those local to the CarFest event site. Every ticket purchased contributes directly to supporting these incredible causes. 

This year’s Do More Good Week shines a spotlight on these charities by sharing the stories of several young ambassadors - extraordinary children whose lives have been changed by CarFest’s support. Since 2012, CarFest has raised over £25 million for its charitable partners, and in 2024 alone, an impressive £1.26 million was donated. This August Bank Holiday (22nd-24th), CarFest returns to Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, featuring six festivals rolled into one: FoodFest, KidsFest, RetroFest, SpaFest, StarFest, and Cars at CarFest. 

Nailah, 16, is this year’s ambassador for Starlight, a charity that aims to reduce trauma through play and still have fun at hospital. Born with three eye conditions, as well as dyslexia, Nailah has been a patient at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London since she was just three days old. The hospital’s health play specialists, supported by Starlight, have been by her side throughout, helping make her difficult hospital visits easier and providing emotional support. 

“The play staff got me through these difficult days,” Nailah shared. “They’ve given good advice about living with my conditions, about education, all kinds of stuff.” She credits her health play specialist, Gemma, with offering particularly meaningful support. “She’s given me so much good advice, based on her journey, because she has the same condition.” 

Now transitioning into adult healthcare, Nailah knows her time with the play specialists has helped prepare her for the next stage of her life. She added, “The amazing play practitioners, supported by Starlight, talk to you about a variety of things, like your interests and worries. They help me feel more resilient, because there is always something to look forward to. They’ve inspired me to become a play specialist when I grow up.”  

This year, 10% of ticket sales and all festival profits will go directly to these charities, ensuring that more children like Aanyah and Amyra can find joy, confidence, and adventure beyond their diagnosis. 

This summer, global pop sensation Rita Ora will headline the Main Stage on Saturday 23rd August. That’s not all, and alongside Rita, fans can enjoy a whole host of acts, including the rock-tastic Travis, folk-rock musician Tom Walker, 80s pop sensations Madness as well as the smooth blues of Seasick Steve to name a few. 

CarFest 2025 will be the best yet, celebrating music, family fun, and fundraising all in one place. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend! Tickets 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 10% 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 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 13% will be donated to a number of other charities that will be confirmed over the coming months, including charities local to the CarFest event site. 

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

SUPPORTED BY:

-       Aspall is the Official Cider Partner

-       Coca Cola Europacific is the Official 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