Start Your Engines: CarFest 2025 Roars into Action

CarFest presented by bp pulse, returns to Laverstoke Park Farm this August Bank Holiday weekend (22–24 August) for another adrenaline-fuelled celebration of cars, music, food and family fun. Now in its 14th year, CarFest is the UK’s biggest family fundraising festival, combining automotive excellence with an unforgettable festival experience. 

Track Action Like No Other 

At the centre of the action is the Michelin–Protyre Autocare Track, with three live shows each day featuring more than 140 extraordinary vehicles, from pre-war Bentleys and classic Bugattis to today’s most powerful supercars, Formula 1 icons, NASCARs, and cutting-edge EVs. Each themed showcase brings motoring history and innovation roaring to life, with highlights such as Britain’s Got Talent featuring rare collector cars from McLaren Automotive, Born in the USA celebrating the spirit of American muscle and hot rods, Hooked on Classics showcasing the dedication of vintage car lovers, and Jaw Droppers putting Ferraris, Lamborghinis and McLarens in the spotlight. Other highlights include RestoMods, which marry classic design with modern tech, and Super Chargers, which shine a light on the latest electric vehicles and performance conversions. 

For racing enthusiasts, Track Stars showcases open and closed-wheel icons, including the Spice C2 Le Mans and the much-missed Eddie Jordan’s 1998 Jordan 198, famously driven by Damon Hill, while Motorsport Mayhem ramps up the action with drift demos, NASCAR thrills, and plenty of tyre-shredding fun. The Drag Show celebrates raw power with roaring quarter-mile machines, and Stage Stars: Historic Rally revisits the fierce Group B rally era. There’s family-friendly excitement too, from performance-ready SUVs and fast family haulers to the sunshine vibes of dune buggies and beach-inspired builds. 

Star Appearances & Exclusive Cars  

CarFest also welcomes back Richard Hammond and his daughter Izzy Hammond, along with a selection of standout vehicles from his restoration business, The Smallest Cog – including the 1970s Buick Riviera, the Subaru WRX STI “Martin,” his Ford Capri GXL, and the beloved Opel Kadett “Oliver.” This year, Izzy joins the track commentary team alongside Neil Cole bringing her own energy, insight, and perspective as a rising presenter and motoring enthusiast – proving she’s very much part of the action, not just along for the ride. 

This is for the Petrolheads 

Head over to The Car Collective, in partnership with AutoRefund, where the UK’s top car communities show off a diverse mix of vehicles – from iconic Ferraris and American muscle to quirky Citroëns and modern classics. It's your chance to meet the owners and celebrate Britain’s rich motoring culture. 

The legendary Sporting Bears return too, offering charity Dream Rides in everything from KITT from Knight Rider to vintage Mustangs – helping raise vital funds for UK children’s charities. To date, they’ve raised over £900,000. Can we hit £1 million in 2025? 

Test Drives & Tech Demos 

Festival-goers can also test drive the latest models from top manufacturers including Jaecoo Omoda, Ford and VW, with relaxed scenic drives through Hampshire’s beautiful countryside. It’s a unique opportunity to explore new tech, meet the innovators, and maybe even find your next set of wheels.  

Seven Festivals in One 

While cars remain at the heart of the action, CarFest is proudly seven festivals in one – with entertainment for every member of the family. Across the weekend, visitors can enjoy live music from major names including Busted, Madness, Rita Ora, Travis, Squeeze, Sam Ryder and Kim Wilde. Beyond the main stage, there’s even more to discover with FoodFest’s tastings and demonstrations, SpaFest’s wellbeing experiences, StarFest’s celebrity conversations, and a packed programme of performances, talks and workshops across The Author’s Stage and beyond. 

Raising Millions for Children’s Charities 

Most importantly, CarFest remains true to its purpose – giving back. One hundred percent of profits go to UK children’s charities, including BBC Children in Need, Rainbow Trust, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust, Starlight, Young Epilepsy, Naomi House & Jacksplace, Sebastian’s Action Trust, Max’s Marathon and Comic Relief. Since its inception, CarFest has raised over £25 million, and 2025 promises to make an even greater impact. 

From vintage cars and track thrills to live music and family fun, CarFest 2025 offers something for everyone – all in support of causes that matter. 

Ends

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