Carfest 2021: what is the motoring event, where is it held and how do I get tickets?

The organisers of the annual CarFest motoring and music events have confirmed that after having to cancel 2020’s festivals, they are pressing ahead with plans for three events in 2021.

Here is everything we know so far about the fundraising festivals, including where and when they’re being held, what to expect and how to get tickets.

What is CarFest?

CarFest features everything from monster trucks to classic Formula 1 cars

CarFest was created by radio presenter Chris Evans in 2011 to bring together his joint passions of cars, music and food in order to raise money for the Children in Need charity. Since its inception it has raised more than £16 million for Children in Need and various other charities.

The event is an eclectic car festival, featuring everything from the latest roadgoing supercars and motorsport racers to vintage models and cars from the movies. Static displays are joined by live on-track demonstrations and stunt shows as well as passenger rides in dream cars and test drives of new models.

Previous years have seen major brands such as Aton Martin, Lamborghini, Toyota, McLaren and Caterham attend with their latest models and famous guests have included Sir Jackie Stewart, Ross Brawn, Adrian Newey, Jody Sheckter and Mark Webber.

Alongside the cars, the festivals put a heavy emphasis on music, with three stages and performances from a host of big names. Confirmed acts for the 2021 festivals include Rick Astley, Reef, Marc Almond, The Charlatans, James Blunt, All Saints, Texas, Happy Mondays, Cast and Roger Daltry.

For 2021 CarFest North and CarFest South have been rebranded Camp CarFest North and Camp CarFest South and a third weekend-long event added to the calendar.

The Camp events will continue previous years’ mix of modern and classic cars, music and family entertainment while Retro CarFest puts the emphasis on yesteryear. It will embrace nostalgia and celebrate the cars and culture of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, covering everything from cars and music to toys and TV.

Organisers say that all events will be Covid-compliant, with measures in place should social distancing and other restrictions still be required.

Where and when is CarFest 2021?

Retro CarFest will be the first of the three events and will be held at the famous Bicester Heritage campus in Oxfordshire from Friday June 18 to Sunday 20, 2021.

Camp CarFest North will once again be held at Bolesworth Estate in Cheshire and run from Friday July 23 to Sunday 25, 2021.

Camp CarFest South will return to its usual home at Laverstoke Park Farm, Overton, Hampshire from Friday August 27 to Sunday 29, 2021.

How do I get tickets for CarFest 2021 and how much are they?

Tickets for all three events have gone on sale via the official CarFest website.

Prices vary by day, with adult day tickets costing £74, £83 or £85 and child day tickets £17 or £19.

Weekend without camping costs £153 per adult and £42 per child while camping tickets start at £189 per adult and £54 per child.

Early entry and premium tickets which add VIP lounge access are also available at an extra cost.