CarFest South lays on fun for all at Laverstoke Park Farm

 Now in its second year, CarFest (the brainchild of Chris Evans) was spread over 3 days and featured fast cars speeding up a local hill climb, food stalls and workshops, and evenings which culminated in some top live musical acts on the main stage.  A family affair, this year a minimum of 25% of each ticket price is being donated to Children in Need.

The sold-out three-day event doesn’t have the usual laidback feel of a festival.  Wandering around the farm, which belongs to former F1 World Champion Jody Scheckter, there’s an array of entertainment on and off the track, and the focus of the festival is very much on family with daytime entertainment to keep children from getting bored until the music starts. To this end, the showground had entertainment each day, from JCB Dancing Diggers to Knights of the Damned jousting tournaments, and there were also various young people’s shows and workshops in the Big Top.

Food is also a big part of the festival, the main attraction this year being Cakes vs. Pies, judged by The Great British Bake Off’s Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood.  There was a fabulous selection of both, all looking equally delicious – those with a sweet tooth will be pleased to know that cake won! Britain’s Best Pavilion housed the finest food and drink produce the country has to offer –and from cheeses to cakes and jams, there was certainly something for everyone.

Out on the track, there were a huge variety of vehicles making their way up the hill climb, from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Jody Scheckter showing off his six-wheeled Tyrell P34 F1, in which he won the 1976 Swedish Grand Prix.  It was also the place to see such famous faces as Sharleen Spiteri, James Martin, Sir Jackie Stewart and James Cracknell, who all took to the track over the weekend.  It wasn’t all about fast cars either, as some rather more unusual vehicles in the shape of a bed, an office desk and a shed also participated!

In the evenings at the main stage, Texas, Keane and Jools Holland were the headliners, but it was a surprise guest, bluesman Seasick Steve, who stole the show on Saturday night with a memorable half-hour set.  As Jools Holland closed the festival on Sunday, there seemed to be a lot of happy faces on display.

Helen Parish
Photos: Helen Parish

CarFest South was at Laverstoke Park Farm from 23^rd – 25^th August 2013. For further information and next year’s dates visit the festival’s website here.