CarFest 28-30 August Silverstone Circuit
There are festivals, and then there is CarFest. Created by Chris Evans, it has grown into the UK’s biggest family fundraising festival, combining a love of cars, music and entertainment with a genuine purpose at its heart. As CarFest 2026 approaches, the sense of anticipation is building for what promises to be another unforgettable weekend.
From the outset, Chris Evans set out to create something that felt different. CarFest was never just about fast cars or big-name acts. It was about bringing people together and raising meaningful funds for children’s charities across the UK. Over the years, that vision has translated into millions raised, with every ticket purchased and every experience enjoyed contributing to something far bigger than the festival itself.
What makes CarFest so compelling is the sheer breadth of what it offers. It is not a one-dimensional event but a carefully crafted world of experiences. Walk through the gates and you quickly realise that every corner offers something new. One moment you might be watching a supercar being pushed to its limits on the track, the next you are immersed in a cooking demonstration or listening to a well-known personality share their story.
The festival is divided into distinct areas, each with its own personality. FoodFest celebrates the very best of British food and drink, with chefs delivering live demonstrations that are as entertaining as they are inspiring. SpaFest offers a slower pace, inviting visitors to unwind with wellness sessions, yoga and a chance to recharge. StarFest brings together familiar faces from television, theatre, sport and music, creating a space for conversations, interviews and unexpected encounters.
And then there are the cars, still very much at the core of the experience. CarFest showcases everything from timeless classics to the latest innovations in electric mobility. Leading manufacturers play a huge role in this, reflecting Chris Evans’ long-standing passion for the automotive world. Brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren Automotive, Aston Martin, BMW and Ford have all contributed to the spectacle in recent years, helping to create a line-up that appeals to enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Music plays an equally important role in defining the CarFest atmosphere. The 2026 line-up already reflects that broad appeal, blending household names with emerging talent. Audiences can look forward to performances from Rick Astley, whose catalogue of hits continues to bring generations together, alongside the soulful voice of Teddy Swims and energetic sets from Switch Disco. The programme is packed with variety, ensuring there is always something to draw you in, whether it is a singalong moment or a discovery of a new favourite act.
Looking back at recent editions gives a clear sense of the scale and ambition behind CarFest. Previous festivals have welcomed major artists including Rita Ora and Sam Ryder, both of whom delivered standout performances that captured the spirit of the event. Their appearances highlighted how CarFest manages to balance mainstream appeal with a distinctly personal, community-driven atmosphere.
Beyond the headline acts and high-performance cars, it is often the smaller moments that leave the strongest impression. Families exploring together, children discovering new interests, friends sharing food and laughter. CarFest has an ability to create those moments naturally, without forcing them, and that is part of its enduring charm.
There is also a strong sense of accessibility and inclusivity running through the entire weekend. It is designed to be enjoyed by all ages, making it a rare example of a festival that genuinely caters to the whole family. Whether you are drawn by the cars, the music, the food or simply the atmosphere, you find yourself part of something welcoming and engaging.
At the centre of it all remains Chris Evans’ original vision. His passion is evident in every detail, from the calibre of the line-up to the diversity of experiences on offer. It is this hands-on approach that has helped CarFest grow year after year while retaining its sense of authenticity.
As CarFest 2026 approaches, it stands as more than just an event. It is a celebration of shared interests, a showcase of talent and innovation, and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when entertainment and purpose come together. Visitors will arrive for different reasons, but they will leave with the same feeling of having been part of something special.
For a weekend, engines will roar, music will fill the air and families will come together. And at the heart of it all, the festival will continue to do what it was created to do, bringing people together and making a real difference where it matters most.