The stage was set on fire at Laverstoke Park with the legendary talents of former Verve lead singer Richard Ashcroft; glam-rock superstar Jake Shears, lead singer of Scissor Sisters and guitar virtuoso Johnny Marr, of The Smiths, whose iconic tunes mesmerised and captivated.
X Factor icon Olly Murs, Eurovision heavyweight Sam Ryder, queen of British soul Beverley Knight, pop rock legends Scouting for Girls, reggae pop fusion pioneers UB40 ft Ali Campbell, Scottish music legends Deacon Blue and the voices behind the smash-hit Fill My Little World, The Feeling all performed this summer.
Beyond the music, CarFest presented by bp pulse featured three new StarFest stage talents: Ed Byrne, the witty and observational comedian known for his television appearances; Jay Blades, the skilled furniture restorer and presenter famous for his work on BBC’s “The Repair Shop”; and Russell Kane, the dynamic comedian recognised for his sharp wit and humour. The three stars took the stage alongside the likes of car aficionado James May, actor & TV presenter Rob Brydon, astronaut Tim Peake, architect George Clarke, BAFTA winner Ben Miller, and Ted Lasso star James Lance.
The event had the now firmly established seven festivals in one: AdventureFest, FoodFest, KidsFest, RetroFest, SpaFest, StarFest, with something for everyone.
Founded by radio presenter Chris Evans, CarFest entered its 13th year this August, packed with activities and attractions for the whole family. Since its inception in 2012, the charity’s core mission has been to raise funds for UK children’s charities, and over the years, the festival has amassed millions for its partners. In 2024, CarFest supported BBC Children in Need, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, My Black Dog, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Young Epilepsy, and Hampshire-based charity Naomi House & Jacksplace.
CarFest took place on 23 to 25 August at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire.
