Final preparations are underway for CarFest 2025, one of the UK’s largest and most beloved family festivals, set to return this August with an action-packed schedule blending live music, automotive showcases, and charity fundraising.
The festival, which has already raised over £26 million for BBC Children in Need and other charitable partners over the past 13 years, expects to welcome up to 30,000 ticketed visitors each day, supported by a workforce of 4,000 staff and crew.
Building the Festival
Infrastructure work began on Monday, 4 August, with crews constructing stages, exhibition stands, and amenities until Tuesday, 19 August. Exhibitors and car companies will then move in to set up displays and deliver vehicles between 19 and 21 August.
Early Arrivals and Camping
On Thursday, 21 August, the campervan and motorhome campsite will open from 2pm to 8pm, followed by campsite access for up to 8,500 early ticket holders later that afternoon. Organisers have emphasised that no amplified music will be permitted on Thursday to ensure a peaceful start.
Main Festival Days
Festivities officially kick off on Friday, 22 August, when campsites and caravan sites open at 8am, car parks at 11am, and the main festival site at 12pm. Friday’s programme will wrap up at approximately 11pm.
Saturday, 23 August, promises a full day of entertainment, highlighted by the popular Overton Car Parade with Sporting Bears at 5pm and live music extending until 11pm.
On Sunday, 24 August, the site opens again at 10am, with the Car Club Parade taking place between 4:15pm and 4:45pm. Sunday’s main stage performances will conclude at 10:30pm.
All campsites will close by 11am on Monday, 25 August, with exhibitors required to depart by 5pm. Infrastructure dismantling will continue through to 5 September.
Music and Track Highlights
Festivalgoers can look forward to a packed music schedule across all three main days:
Friday, 22 August
- Rehearsals: 10:00am – 11:30am
- Shows throughout the day, with the main stage open from 4:30pm – 11pm
Saturday, 23 August
- Morning and afternoon shows
- Overton Car Parade: 5:00pm – 6:30pm
- Main stage performances: 4:30pm – 11pm
Sunday, 24 August
- Three shows during the day
- Car Club Parade: 4:15pm – 4:45pm
- Main stage: 4:30pm – 10:30pm
Organisers have noted there will be no fireworks this year, and all timings are subject to change due to weather or operational needs.
Camping and Parking Logistics
The festival anticipates accommodating 20,000 campers, with around 1,500 caravans, 5,000 cars, and 2,500 tents. Additionally, approximately 2,500 day visitor vehicles are expected on site daily.
Bin Collection Reminder
Local residents are reminded that C29 and Berrydown Lane bins will be collected at 6am on Tuesday, while North Waltham bins will be picked up on Monday. Residents are advised to leave bins out the night before to avoid missed collections.
Fundraising Goals
CarFest aims to raise an additional £1 million this year to continue its support of children’s charities, including BBC Children in Need, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust, and others.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.carfest.org.
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