Inspired by music loving petrolhead Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans himself, it should come as little surprise that his CarFest weekends are crammed with top line bands and plenty of on-track, tyre smoking, motoring action.
But the BBC Radio 2 broadcaster is also a family man… and he has ensured that the focus of both CarFest North (Oulton Park, Cheshire, 31 July-2 August) and CarFest South (Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, 28-30 August) is fun for all the family. Indeed both venues will be bursting at the seams with awesome activities and eye-catching entertainment to amuse and inspire all ages.
For example, children can get behind the wheel at the Gocompare.com Kids’ Driving School, where they can drive go-karts, jeeps and kiddie quads. Footie, rugby, hockey and netball fans can hone their goal scoring skills in Goalfest supported by Mark Harrod ltd. or learn a host of new skills at Summer Camp… everything from magic tricks to basket weaving, and more.
Mum, Dad and the kids can head to the beach, with support from Wicks, tonnes of sand has been brought to both venues to create the perfect chill out area with deck chairs and extreme sandcastle building competitions. Don’t forget your sun cream.
Festival goers can turn back the clock at the Car Clubs & Vintage Village area and marvel at the daredevil antics of Stunt School; enjoy local talent performing acoustically on the Wigwam stage; and let the whole family take part in the Great Festival Dash supported by Garmin. If their feet aren’t too sore after that, they can learn how to walk on hot coals under the watchful eye of experts from UK Firewalk.
There’s a Big Top, Showground, air displays and even a taste-off with Tom Kerridge and Paul Hollywood who want to know whether those at CarFest North prefer sausage rolls or Scotch eggs.
And, of course, there are the cars and the music. Among the top bands performing at both events are the Boomtown Rats, Seasick Steve, Scouting for Girls, Level 42, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Texas, Midge Ure and The Feeling.
Headlining at CarFest North will be Primal Scream (Friday 31 July), Joss Stone plus Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott of Beautiful South fame (Saturday, 1 August) and Will Young (Sunday, 2 August) while topping the bill at CarFest South will be Jools Holland (Friday, 28 August), Paloma Faith (Saturday, 29 August) and Take That (Sunday 30 August).
And the mouth-watering selection of cars due to perform on track include Formula 1 cars, touring cars, rally cars, super cars, landmark classics, dragsters and custom cars. At Oulton Park, strong man Simon Plant will attempt to pull no fewer than 14 Ford Fiestas around part of the track, while among the star cars will be the ‘Dirty Dozen’ – Ferraris, Astons, Mercs and Jags from Chris Evans’ own collection.
CarFest also offers the finest festival food to ensure that all fans, whether they are coming for just a day or staying for the whole weekend and camping on site, will feast on more than just cars.
Best of all, these epic family festivals are in a good cause. With a minimum of 25 per cent of all ticket revenues going directly to the charity, CarFest – now in its fourth year – has already donated more than £3.5 million to BBC Children in Need – a figure which will grow significantly when this year’s donations are included.
There are still a few day tickets left for Friday (31 July) at CarFest North, at £60 for an adult and £11 for those aged 6-16. But hurry because they are going fast.
Full details of both 2015 CarFests can be found on the official website at www.carfest.org.
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