CarFest returns in spectacular style for 2026, taking over the iconic Silverstone Circuit from 28–30 August 2026. Now powered by bp, the award-winning festival promises its biggest edition yet, blending live music, celebrity appearances, gourmet food, motorsport action and family entertainment across three packed days.
Founded by broadcaster Chris Evans, CarFest has become one of the UK’s most successful family festivals since its launch in 2012 — raising millions for children’s charities while delivering a uniquely high-energy end-of-summer celebration.
A Landmark Year at Silverstone
For 2026, CarFest makes a major move to Silverstone Circuit — the home of British motorsport — bringing over 1,000 vehicles, high-speed demonstrations and live track shows into a festival environment.
In partnership with Iconic Auctioneers, CarFest will also debut an on-site car auction, offering visitors the chance to view, bid on, and even drive away with rare classics, supercars and collector’s vehicles.
Star-Studded 2026 Music Line-Up
The CarFest main stage will once again deliver a festival-worthy soundtrack with a mix of legendary performers and fan favourites, including:
- Sir Tom Jones
- Jessie J
- Nile Rodgers & CHIC
- Sugababes
- Rick Astley
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor
- Gabrielle, James Morrison, Rick Parfitt Jnr and The Proclaimers
- TV presenter and DJ Gok Wan
Across the weekend, music will continue into the night at Club CarFest, featuring sets from Virgin Radio favourites including Huey Morgan, Emma B, Goldierocks, Rickie & Melvin, and Toby Anstis.
Celebrity Talks, Authors & Inspiration
Beyond music, CarFest continues its tradition of bringing together leading voices from entertainment, comedy and culture.
On the StarFest Stage, audiences can expect appearances from:
- Rob Brydon
- George Clarke
- Maisie Adam
The Author’s Stage will feature bestselling writers including Bryony Gordon, Marian Keyes and Patrick Grant, offering insights into creativity, storytelling and modern culture.
FoodFest, SpaFest & The Studio
Food lovers can explore FoodFest with Škoda, a live culinary hub featuring top chefs and interactive cook-along sessions. Expect appearances from:
Tom Kerridge, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Glynn Purnell, Cyrus Todiwala, Shivi Ramoutar, Atul Kochhar, Thuy Diem Pham, Molly Robbins and Richard Bertinet.
For wellness and reflection, SpaFest will host talks from experts including Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Charlène Gisèle and Emma Mumford, while the Inspiration Hub features Eva Humphries and Mark Whittle.
Creative visitors can head to The Studio, where hands-on workshops led by Anna Gough, Emma Treharne and Nicola Rigby encourage guests to try something new.
RetroFest & KidsFest: Family Entertainment for All Ages
CarFest is built around experiences for all generations:
- RetroFest celebrates iconic decades through music, fashion and nostalgia-driven entertainment
- KidsFest, delivered with BBC Children in Need alongside CBBC and CBeebies, offers interactive games, live shows and creative workshops designed for younger festivalgoers
Motorsport, Stunts & Live Action
At the heart of the festival, Silverstone transforms into a high-octane playground featuring:
- Historic Formula 1 cars
- Supercars and hypercars
- Motorcycle stunt shows
- Drifting and precision driving displays
- Live track demonstrations
Visitors can expect non-stop action across the paddock and circuit throughout the weekend.
Raising Millions for UK Children’s Charities
CarFest remains one of the UK’s most impactful fundraising festivals, having raised over £28 million since its inception.
Ten per cent of ticket sales and all profits are donated to charity partners including:
- BBC Children in Need — https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/
- Young Epilepsy — https://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/
- Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust — https://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org/
- Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity — https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/
- Starlight Children’s Foundation — https://www.starlight.org.uk/
- Teenage Cancer Trust — https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/
These organisations support children and families across the UK, ensuring CarFest continues to combine entertainment with meaningful impact.
Tickets & Official Information
CarFest 2026 takes place 28–30 August 2026 at Silverstone Circuit.
Tickets are available now via the official website: CarFest Official Website
CarFest 2026 is shaping up to be its most ambitious edition yet — a full-throttle weekend of music, motorsport, food and family fun, all in support of life-changing charities across the UK.
