From Cars to Stars: CarFest 2023 Shines Bright with Entertainment, Celebrities, and Charitable Causes

[London, Thursday 31st August] - Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire once again played host to the much-anticipated cinch presents CarFest, delivering an extraordinary weekend brimming with excitement and entertainment across seven magical festivals. From 25th-27th August, CarFest transformed into a vibrant hub of festivities, all in the spirit of contributing to UK children’s charities. Over 30,000 attendees flocked to the festival each day, marking its most significant turnout since the pandemic. 

At the heart of CarFest, is the festival’s commitment to donate a percentage of the ticket price and any profits to UK children’s charities BBC Children in Need, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Young Epilepsy, Hampshire-based charity Naomi House & Jacksplace and also mental health charity My Black Dog.

The festival was a haven for car enthusiasts this year, boasting not only a celebration of McLaren Racing’s 60th anniversary, but also three breath-taking track shows every day and a stunning collection of over 600 vehicles that graced its grounds – the largest assembly it has ever showcased! A standout moment of this year's event was the exclusive appearance of Richard Hammond at The Smallest Cog Restoration Garage in partnership with LKQ Euro Car Parts. In a remarkable showcase, Hammond and his team undertook the real-time restoration of a car, a feat that culminated in their leading role in the grand finale track show.

On the main stage, fan-favourites McFly were back again to headline on Friday with 2023 marking 20 years since they first started gigging. Festival goers sang their hearts out to the band’s timeless anthems of the last two decades. Headlining on Saturday was the legendary Craig David, who returned to his Hampshire roots after rising to global fame 25 years ago. Texas tore up the stage as Sunday’s headliner to close off what was an epic Bank Holiday weekend. 

Pop star Peter Andre took to the stage delighting the crowds with a medley of his greatest hits. Adding an extra layer of excitement to the event was Ricky Wilson, who surprised the audience by revealing himself as his Masked Singer character Phoenix while delivering an electrifying performance with The Feeling.  

Beyond this, StarFest once again served as a captivating platform for luminaries from the realms of television, comedy, and literature. Notably, Eddie Izzard engaged in a compelling conversation with Virgin Radio’s Vassos Alexander, delving into her extensive marathon journey. Meanwhile, astronaut Tim Peake took to the Author's Stage, engaging in an enlightening discussion with Bryony Gordon centred around his book, "Limitless”. Perched on hay bales, Chris Evans was accompanied by fan favourite Alex Horne who orchestrated a laughter-filled Taskmaster Special, with guests Lee Mack and Rob Brydon, that left everyone thoroughly entertained!

Mark your calendars for the return of CarFest 2024 next year (23rd-25th August 2024) ensuring an even more exhilarating array of action and boundless fun for the entire family to enjoy.

Pre-registration for Limited Early Bird Tickets will open from midday on Wednesday 30th August until Thursday 5th September at 11:59pm. Tickets for this limited offer will be frozen at 2023 prices, with full-price tickets going on sale this November. Early Bird Ticket sale at 2023 prices will be open from 08:00 on Wednesday 6th September for those who have signed up for the pre-registration and opening to the public on Thursday 7th September at 08:00 until Sunday 10th September at 11:59pm.

To benefit from this offer, pre-register today at https://carfest.org/early-bird-2024/

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Editors notes

Notes to editors:

CarFest

CarFest is the brainchild of presenter Chris Evans. Taking place at Laverstoke Park Farm, the festival features an incredible combination of cars, food, live music and family entertainment. Launched in 2012, the weekend-long festival was created to raise funds for UK children’s charities. Since its inception, the festival has raised over £25 million for its charity partners. CarFest is run by CarFest Management Ltd on behalf of Chris Evans. cinch presents CarFest will this year be supported by cinch as headline partner, Kwik Fit-Michelin as sponsor of the track and Motorsport Paddock, Napoleon Grills as sponsor of the Great British Cook Out, The Big Early hosted by Costa Coffee, BP Pulse as sponsor of Silent Disco, Club CarFest, Showcase Stage + EV charging paddock, Instant as sponsors of The Chef’s Stage, LKQ Euro Carparts as sponsor of the Restoration Garage and Timothy Taylor as Official Beer Partner.

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Fundraising details

In 2023, a guaranteed 15% of the price of each ticket, will be donated to UK children’s charities. BBC Children in Need will receive 50% of the total funds raised directly by CarFest. The following six charities will each receive 7% of the funds raised: Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, My Black Dog and Young Epilepsy. Local hospice Naomi House&Jacksplace will receive 2%. The remaining 6% will be donated to a number of other charities that will be confirmed over the coming months.