Carfest

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Gear up for an unforgettable weekend at CarFest 2026! The three-day CarFest festival - a celebration of cars, music and fun - returns to Laverstoke Park Farm near Overton in scenic Hampshire from 28-30 August 2026. Founded by broadcaster Chris Evans, this lively event has grown into the UK’s biggest family fundraising festival, all set on the beautiful 2,500-acre farm owned by ex-Formula One champion Jody Scheckter. CarFest brings together car lovers, music fans and families alike for a uniquely exciting experience. With thousands of vehicles on display, live entertainment, tasty food and activities for all ages, you’ll find something to thrill everyone in your group.

At the heart of CarFest is an incredible celebration of all things motoring. Hundreds of eye-catching vehicles line the grounds, from stunning classic cars and hot rods to sleek supercars and cutting-edge concept vehicles. Admire motorcycles, supertrucks and vintage rally cars too. Thrill at high-speed driving demos, stunt displays and drag-strip challenges that show off the power of modern and classic machines. You might even have the chance to sit in a dream car or take a passenger lap in a race car. Whether you’re a petrolhead dreaming of gear shifts or just love shiny wheels, CarFest’s car zones offer endless automotive wonder.

Beyond the engines, CarFest is packed with live music and entertainment. Work up an appetite dancing to the biggest bands and DJs on the main stages - past line-ups have featured chart-topping artists across rock, pop and dance genres. Outside the main acts, dig into stand-up comedy, celebrity guest appearances and surprise pop-up performances. In the festival’s StarFest area expect celebrity interviews, Q and A sessions with racing legends or TV personalities, and even wellness activities like yoga and spa sessions to add some relax-and-unwind time to your day.

FoodFest is another highlight, where the nation’s top chefs and local artisan producers set up shop. Sample gourmet street food, watch cookery demonstrations, and treat your taste buds to international cuisines and addictive sweet treats. Meanwhile, a dedicated KidsFest zone offers a funfair and creative workshops just for the little ones - think circus skills, face painting, crazy science experiments and more. The event truly has something for everyone: barbecued ribs for Dad, ice creams or candy floss for the kids, and maybe a craft beer or glass of wine for Mum.

No matter your age, you’ll find a new adventure around every corner. From retro video games and go-kart tracks to brand-new game demos and virtual reality racing simulators, kids and adults alike can play together. Classic car parades and even owner club meet-ups let fans chat with automotive experts and fellow enthusiasts. All the while, bright lights, giant screens and festival stalls create a buzzing funfair feel. It’s an atmosphere of joy, laughter and shared enthusiasm - a true community spirit.

Best of all, every ticket to CarFest directly supports UK children’s charities. By enjoying this vibrant weekend of cars, music and fun, you’ll be making a difference for a great cause. So pack up the car, gather family and friends, and head to Overton for CarFest 2026. You’ll laugh as you pose with dream cars, dance to live stage music, and soak up sunshine and festival joy under the summer sky. Don’t miss this incredible celebration of cars, music and community spirit - see you at Laverstoke Park Farm!

By car, getting to CarFest is straightforward. The festival site is located at Laverstoke Park Farm near Overton, Hampshire (postcode RG25 3DR). From the north and east, take the M3 motorway toward Basingstoke and exit onto local roads (A30/A339) heading north toward Whitchurch and Overton; follow the festival signs to the main car park. Drivers from the west can use the A303 toward Andover and then the A34 northbound. Ample parking is available on site, but roads can get busy on event days, so it’s wise to allow extra travel time.

By public transport, Overton has its own railway station on the South Western mainline. Regular trains run from London Waterloo (via Basingstoke) and from the south coast (via Southampton) to Overton Station, which is just a short taxi ride from the festival. Alternatively, travellers can use the larger stations at Basingstoke or Whitchurch (both under 20 minutes away) and then take a local taxi or bus to reach Overton. Stagecoach buses also connect Overton with nearby towns like Basingstoke, Whitchurch and Andover - check timetables for current routes.

By air, the nearest major airport is London Heathrow, around 60-70 miles away (about 1.5-2 hours by road or train via Reading and Basingstoke). Southampton Airport is a bit closer (around 25 miles, roughly 40-50 minutes by road) and offers domestic and European flights. Gatwick and Luton airports are significantly further away (over 100 miles), so if you use those it’s best to connect by train or road via London. Whichever airport you choose, allow extra time for travel, especially on a busy bank holiday weekend.

Accommodation options abound: Nearby Basingstoke (about 8 miles from Overton) offers plenty of hotels and guesthouses (including chains like Premier Inn, Holiday Inn, Travelodge). Charming bed & breakfasts and inns can be found in Overton, Whitchurch and nearby villages for a countryside stay. Some festival-goers even camp on site - CarFest typically provides on-site camping fields for tents and RVs, so you can stay right next to the party. Wherever you stay, booking early is recommended, as lodging fills up quickly during event weekends.

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