One of Britain’s best-loved family festivals is preparing to embark on an exciting new chapter this August, as CarFest makes its debut at Silverstone.
Taking place from 28–30 August 2026 over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the move represents the biggest change in CarFest’s history since the event was founded by broadcaster Chris Evans in 2012. After more than a decade at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire, CarFest is heading to the Home of British Motorsport, bringing with it its unique combination of cars, live music, family entertainment and charitable fundraising.
For motoring enthusiasts, the move to Silverstone feels like a natural progression. The world-famous Northamptonshire circuit provides a spectacular backdrop for an event built around a love of cars, while its extensive facilities and central location offer CarFest the opportunity to welcome more visitors and introduce new experiences.
Organisers are promising more cars on track, music every night and festival entertainment for all ages, while retaining the atmosphere and community spirit that have helped make CarFest such a popular fixture on the British summer calendar.
Live music has always been an important part of the CarFest experience, and the inaugural Silverstone edition is set to feature an impressive Main Stage line-up. Three major headline acts will take centre stage across the weekend, with Jessie J headlining Friday night, Sir Tom Jones taking the Saturday headline slot and Nile Rodgers & CHIC bringing proceedings to a close on Sunday.
They will be joined throughout the weekend by an impressive supporting cast. Friday’s entertainment will feature acts including The George Michael Singers, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Gok Wan, while Saturday’s programme includes Rick Parfitt Jnr, James Morrison and the Sugababes before Tom Jones takes to the stage. Sunday will feature Elio Pace’s Billy Joel Songbook, Gabrielle, The Proclaimers and Rick Astley, before Nile Rodgers & CHIC provide the festival’s finale.
The breadth of the line-up underlines the fact that CarFest is designed to be far more than a traditional car show. Visitors can spend the day exploring the cars, watching on-track action and enjoying the many attractions around the circuit before heading to the Main Stage for performances from some of the biggest names in British and international music.
Away from the music, CarFest will offer a broad programme of family entertainment, food, celebrity appearances and activities aimed at visitors of all ages. The move to Silverstone also opens up new possibilities, with the festival able to take advantage of the circuit’s extensive facilities, including the venue’s state-of-the-art karting facility.
For petrolheads, however, the cars will inevitably remain one of the biggest attractions. CarFest has developed a reputation for bringing together an eclectic mix of machinery, from performance and supercars to racing cars and much-loved classics. At Silverstone, that automotive spectacle will have one of the world’s most famous racing venues as its backdrop.
The setting should also provide some fantastic opportunities for fans and photographers, with racing machinery, supercars, classics, celebrities and live entertainment all coming together in one location. It is a combination that should make CarFest particularly appealing to anyone with a passion for cars and motorsport, while still offering plenty for those who simply want to enjoy a family day out.
Despite the change of venue, the charitable purpose behind CarFest remains at the heart of the event. Founded by Chris Evans in 2012 with the aim of raising money for children’s charities, CarFest has raised more than £27 million over the past 13 years.
For 2026, 10 per cent of every CarFest ticket and 100 per cent of CarFest’s profits will go towards supporting UK charities. The 2026 charity partners include BBC Children in Need, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Epilepsy, alongside support for local Northamptonshire charities and initiatives.
That charitable mission gives the festival an added dimension. For visitors, a weekend of cars, music and entertainment also means helping to raise funds for children and young people across the UK.
The move from Hampshire to Silverstone is undoubtedly a significant moment in CarFest’s history, but organisers are keen to retain the identity that has made the event so popular. The combination of cars, music, family entertainment and fundraising remains firmly in place; what changes is the scale and setting.
Silverstone’s reputation as the Home of British Motorsport, combined with its extensive grounds and facilities, gives CarFest a venue capable of taking the event into its next phase. For motorsport fans, the prospect of seeing CarFest unfold at Silverstone is particularly appealing. The circuit has been at the centre of British racing for generations, and this time it will provide the setting for something considerably more relaxed – a weekend where racing cars, supercars, family activities and live music can all share the same stage.
It is the beginning of a new era for CarFest.
Tickets for the event are on sale now, with day tickets, multi-day options and camping packages available. Visitors planning to attend CarFest’s first ever Silverstone edition can purchase tickets and find the latest event information through the official Silverstone CarFest website.
