Activities & Days Out / 10 June, 2025 / Ellie Thompson

Why CarFest 2025 Is The Must-Book Family Festival This Summer

Looking for that one summer weekend that brings together world-class music, family fun, inspiring stories, incredible food, motors, mindfulness, and a huge dose of feel-good vibes? That’s exactly what CarFest 2025, presented by bp pulse, promises – and delivers – in a big way. Taking place over the August Bank Holiday (22–24 August) at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, this year’s CarFest is not just another festival… It’s a purpose-driven, entertainment-packed, family-focused experience you don’t want to miss.

Here’s why CarFest is the must-book family festival to book this summer

A Festival That Gives Back: £25M Raised and Counting

CarFest is the UK’s leading family fundraising festival with a mission to #DoMoreGood. Created by broadcaster Chris Evans in 2012, CarFest has raised over £25 million for UK children’s charities, with 100% of all profits and 10% of every ticket sold going directly to charitable causes.

In 2025, CarFest will support:

• BBC Children in Need (50% of funds raised)
• Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust, Starlight, Teenage Cancer Trust, Young Epilepsy (7% each)
• Naomi House & Jacksplace (2%)
• And a further 13% to other local and national charities

This year, meet the young ambassadors – real kids and teens whose lives have been changed by these charities – as the “Faces of Do More Good Week.” Their stories bring the festival’s mission to life and show exactly where your support goes.

The Ultimate Family Playground: Welcome to KidsFest

Let’s talk family fun. KidsFest is everything your kids could hope for and more. With six immersive zones packed with hands-on activities, your little ones (and not-so-little ones) can learn, build, create, and play all weekend.

• The Imagination Station – Tie-dye, slime-making, science demos & more
• Pudsey’s Spot – With appearances by CBeebies & CBBC favourites
• Drive Zone – Kids as young as 9 can drive real cars with Young Driver
• The Champions Ground – Sports challenges galore
• The Green Room – Workshops with artists, authors, and educators
• Book Nook – Magical storytelling & quiet time zones

Children under 6 go free, and activities are designed for toddlers, tweens, and teens alike.

Music for Every Generation: From Rita Ora to Travis

CarFest’s Main Stage will be bouncing with incredible live performances from a stellar line-up of artists across every genre:

• Rita Ora (Saturday Headliner)
• Travis, Madness, Busted
• Tom Walker, Seasick Steve, Sam Ryder, Kim Wilde
• And loads more across three music stages

Want more niche vibes? Head to The WigWam Stage for acoustic gems or Club CarFest for late-night DJ sets under the stars.

More Than a Music Festival: Seven Events in One

CarFest offers more than music – it’s a full-blown multi-festival experience with something for everyone:

• FoodFest – Demos, tastings & workshops with celeb chefs like Si King (Hairy Bikers) & Atul Kochhar
• StarFest – Inspiring talks with names like Rob Brydon, Su Pollard, and TV personalities
• RetroFest – Nostalgic fun with vintage vibes, retro rides & classic tunes
• CarFest – Epic displays of classic cars, supercars, and adrenaline-pumping track shows
• The Author’s Stage – Panels with bestselling authors and changemakers

Discover Inner Peace at SpaFest

Sometimes you just need to breathe. SpaFest is CarFest’s wellness oasis – a serene retreat dedicated to mind, body, and soul.

This year’s incredible SpaFest lineup includes:

• Jordan Wylie MBE, adventurer & author
• The Happy Pear twins, food & health gurus
• Dr Liz O’Riordan, breast cancer survivor & author
• Mr. Motivator, leading high-energy workouts
• Ally Boothroyd, Yoga Nidra expert
• Inspiration Hub by Nirvana Spa – think meditation, mindset, manifestation

Need more? Recharge at The Oasis, stretch at The Studio, or indulge in massage and reflexology at The Recharge Hub.

Cars, Stars & Charitable Hearts

From rare vintage motors to high-octane track displays and everything in between, the “Car” in CarFest is as exciting as ever. Expect:

• Star cars from screen & speedway
• Family-friendly pit zones
• Paddock chats with pro drivers
• Interactive motoring exhibits

And remember – every drift, doughnut, and engine roar fuels the mission to #DoMoreGood.

Book Now – Your Summer Starts Here

CarFest 2025 is where lifelong memories are made. Whether you’re here for the music, the motors, the mindfulness or the family fun, this festival delivers it all with heart.

• Get your tickets now at www.carfest.org
• Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire
• 22–24 August 2025
• Kids under 6 go free | Flexible day and weekend tickets available

Chris Evans sums it up best:

“CarFest has always been about bringing people together to celebrate life, family, and creating great memories, all while making a real difference for children and families in need. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for our best CarFest yet!”

Don’t just plan a festival weekend. Plan a weekend that changes lives.

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