Chris Evans has announced that CarFest, the UK’s biggest family fundraising festival, will move to Silverstone in 2026, ending more than a decade at its original home, Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire.
Founded in 2012, CarFest has grown into a staple of the British summer calendar, combining cars, music, food, and family fun with a powerful charitable mission. Over the past 14 years, the festival has raised more than £27 million for children’s charities, including BBC Children in Need, Teenage Cancer Trust, Young Epilepsy, and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
Final Year at Laverstoke
This August Bank Holiday weekend (22–24 August 2025) will mark the final CarFest at Laverstoke Park Farm. Clare Scheckter, owner of the farm, said it had been “an honour and privilege” to host the event, but added that the move to Silverstone will enable the festival to evolve further.
“I believe the opportunities at Silverstone will enable CarFest to reach a new level,” she said. “I am delighted to continue working with Chris and the team to build on the fundraising legacy of CarFest.”
Why Silverstone?
The new venue is seen as a natural fit. Known globally as the home of British motorsport, Silverstone has evolved into a year-round destination for racing, music, and entertainment. Earlier this summer, it welcomed a record 500,000 fans for the British Grand Prix, which featured headline performances from Sam Fender, Raye, and Fatboy Slim.
Silverstone’s Chief Executive Stuart Pringle welcomed the announcement:
“As the ultimate summer celebration, blending music, motors, food, family fun, and unforgettable experiences, CarFest is a perfect fit for Silverstone. Together, we can deliver an even bigger and better event while raising vital funds for charity.”
The move will also provide improved transport links, greater comfort and accessibility for families, and new off-track experiences – including Kart Silverstone, a state-of-the-art karting facility that will be open throughout the festival.
Founder’s Vision Continues
CarFest founder Chris Evans described the relocation as an opportunity to expand while keeping the festival’s heart intact.
“This move opens up possibilities we’ve never had before, more space, more cars, more ways to surprise and delight our audience and most importantly an opportunity to raise even more money for UK children’s charities. The heart of CarFest will always be the same, with charitable fundraising and entertainment, providing unforgettable experiences for all ages, at the core of our mission. As one of the UK’s premier entertainment destinations Silverstone gives us the perfect stage for the next chapter in our story.”
The first Silverstone CarFest is scheduled for 27–30th August 2026, with tickets and further details expected next year.
For now, Evans is urging fans to join him for one last celebration at Laverstoke Park Farm this August.
“I wanted to share this incredibly exciting news today, so anyone who wants to join us and say farewell to the amazing home we have had at Laverstoke Park Farm has the opportunity to join us for one last amazing party there this coming weekend. Grab the final tickets whilst they are still available!”
Tickets for CarFest 2025 (22–24 August) are on sale now at carfest.org.
