Stars and cars galore head to Silverstone for CarFest
Sir Tom Jones, Nile Rodgers, Richard Hammond, Susie Dent, Victoria Pendleton, Dame Prue Leith, Rob Brydon, Lee Mack and Marian Keyes among the names on the bill
A star-studded festival celebrating all things automobile returns to Silverstone this month.
CarFest, founded and hosted by Chris Evans, will be taking over the racetrack from August 28 to 30 – and boasts a line-up packed with big names including Sir Tom Jones, Nile Rodgers & Chic and The Proclaimers.
Friday opens with The George Michael Singers, followed Sophie Ellis‑Bextor and Gok Wan, with Jessie J closing off the first night of the weekend. Saturday’s party kicks off in style with Rick Parfitt Jnr followed by James Morrison and Sugababes and closes with the legendary Tom Jones. And Sunday closes the weekend with Elio Pace’s Billy Joel Songbook, followed by Gabrielle, The Proclaimers and Rick Astley with hitmaker Nile Rodgers & Chic bringing the weekend party to a close.
Food lovers are equally well catered for. Tom Kerridge, Dame Prue Leith, Cyrus Todiwala, Glynn Purnell, Atul Kochhar, Big Nath, The Happy Pear and many more will deliver live demos, tastings and immersive food experiences.
The popular Wigwam stage returns with a packed schedule, showcasing a mix of emerging talent and cult favourites across all three days. Friday features family favourites such as Nick John Wilson, Rosie Hollins, Miracle Piglets, Smith & Liddle and interactive slots like Play Your Charts Right. Saturday includes Charlie Ward, Flo Gallop, James Riley, Mr B Gentleman Rhymer and True Foxes. And Sunday brings Teddy Swimz, Dance of the Dead, Jack Browett, Jason Graystone and family finales including Double Dolly’s Line Dancing.
During the day, over at the StarFest venue and Author’s Stage, the focus will turn to conversation, comedy and inspiration, with a mix of household names, experts and authors appearing across the weekend. Guests include Rob Brydon, Lee Mack and Ben Miller joined by literary giant Marian Keyes, presenters Patrick Grant, George Clarke and Susie Dent, Olympians Matt Weston, Tabby Stoecker and Victoria Pendleton and comedians Harriet Kemsley and Lucy Porter among a host of others.
As day turns to dusk, The StarFest Stage will transform into Club CarFest for feel‑good DJ sets from Chrissy Meechan, DJ Anna Higgs, Rickie & Melvin, Jack Keating and Toby Anstis, plus a very special set each day from Virgin Radio DJs Huey Morgan, Emma B & Edie and Goldierocks.
For those looking to slow the pace, SpaFest is the restorative side to the festival, with sessions centred around wellbeing, health and personal development across all three days. Contributors such as Dr Federica Amati, Kirsty Gallagher, Mr Motivator and Dr Rangan Chatterjee will lead a variety of talks and workshops.
CarFest’s automotive roots remain at its heart, with appearances from Richard Hammond, Izzy Hammond and Mat Watson, plus alongside live track displays, stunt shows and interactive experiences across the weekend.
Since launching in 2012, CarFest has raised over £28 million for UK children’s charities, supporting organisations including BBC Children in Need, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Epilepsy.
Visit www.carfest.org to book.