Local Surrey Girl, 12, Named Ambassador for Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust on Behalf 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. 10% of 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 Children’s Foundation, 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.

For 12-year-old Halle, childhood has been anything but typical. At just four years old, she was diagnosed with Wilms tumour, a rare form of kidney cancer. Instead of running through playgrounds and making memories with friends, her early years were spent enduring intense treatment, leaving her feeling isolated and disconnected. 

But the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust changed that. Founded by Dame Ellen MacArthur, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust gives young people affected by cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through the power of sailing and shared experiences.

“I remember feeling nervous before my first trip,” Halle recalls, “but by the end, I didn’t want to leave. I met people who understood exactly how I felt, and for the first time in a long time, I felt free.” 

Now thriving in secondary school, Halle refuses to let cancer define her. Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust gave her a sense of adventure, new friendships, and a safe space to connect with others who have walked a similar path. Her family describes the experience as: “A rainbow amongst the grey—feeling like you can find enjoyment off the back of a horrendous, life-altering event, live life to the fullest, and discover new adventures.”

This year, 10% of ticket sales and all festival profits will go directly to these charities, ensuring that more children like Halle 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

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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.

About Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust uses sailing and outdoor adventures to inspire young people aged 8-24 living through and beyond cancer to believe in a brighter future. For many young people, simply picking up where they left off before their diagnosis just isn’t possible. So, when treatment ends, the Trust’s work begins.

The friendships they make, the acceptance they find, boundaries they push, independence they gain, and the skills they learn help every young person discover what they are capable of again and stop feeling like ‘the only one’. Any young person who has been treated for cancer from across the UK can join the Trust for a transformational four-day sailing experience from Cowes on the Isle of Wight or Largs on Scotland’s West Coast. Many young people need support over time too, so once a young person has been sailing with the charity, they can return for more sailing or outdoor adventures.

Because of the Trust, young people start to re-establish their purpose and place in the world, they feel their mental wellbeing improve, and they are inspired to believe in a brighter future.

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

-       Mazda is The StarFest Stage and Club CarFest Partner

-       Michelin and Protyre Autocare are the Track, Paddock and Driver’s Lounge Partners

-       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