CarFest 2025: What You Need to Know

Hampshire is set to be buzzing this weekend as CarFest South hits Laverstoke Park Farm over the August Bank Holiday. Tickets are still available – click here to grab yours before they sell out!

The family festival, founded by broadcaster Chris Evans, has been described as a “giant village fete” – only with fast cars, famous faces and a line-up of chart-topping acts.

Music fans will be treated to headline performances from Travis, Rita Ora and Madness, while the bill also features Busted, Sam Ryder, Seasick Steve, Kim Wilde, The Boomtown Rats, The Lightning Seeds, Tom Walker and plenty more. Away from the main stage, there’s a mix of smaller ‘mini-festivals’, from food and wellness to kids’ activities and classic cars.

Travel Information

CarFest 2025 takes place at Laverstoke Park Farm, Overton, near Basingstoke (RG25 3DR), and there are several ways to get there, whether by car, train, bus, or taxi, so you can plan the easiest route for your weekend at the festival.

By Car: CarFest is easy to reach via the M3 and A303. From London, it’s around 90 minutes; Southampton, 45 minutes; and Reading about an hour. There’s on-site parking, but it’s best to book in advance here – spaces bought on the day cost more. Expect some temporary road closures and one-way systems, so follow the official signs rather than your sat nav.

By Train: The nearest stations are Overton, Micheldever, Basingstoke and Andover, all served by South Western Railway. Trains from London take roughly an hour. From Overton station, it’s a 2.5km walk or a short taxi ride to the festival.

By Bus & Coach: Local Stagecoach buses stop at Overton station. National Express coaches run to Basingstoke, with taxis or buses taking you the rest of the way.

By Taxi: There’s a dedicated drop-off and pick-up point at the festival. Local taxi firms include Alpha Cars (01256 444444), Jars Cars (01256 819844), Savin Cars (07392 762889) and Street Cars (07876 676768). Uber also operates in the area.

When gates open

• Thursday 21 August – Early campers can set up from 4pm (last entry 8pm).
• Friday 22 August – Campsites open 8am, car parks from 11am. Music and entertainment run into the evening.
• Saturday 23 August – Day car park opens 9am, festival site from 10am, with shows finishing around 11pm.
• Sunday 24 August – Gates open 10am, closing 10.30pm.
• Monday 25 August – Campers must leave by 11am.

Food and drink

There will be no shortage of choice when it comes to eating and drinking, with dozens of stalls across the site. Families can also bring their own picnic, soft drinks, chairs and blankets. Gazebos and other large structures that block views are not allowed.

Parking and camping

Car parking is included for ticket holders and will be managed round-the-clock by security staff. Cars can’t be driven into the main campsite, but campervan and caravan owners with the correct passes will be directed to the designated areas.

Supporting charities

As always, CarFest is about more than just entertainment. Proceeds from the weekend will be shared among children’s charities including BBC Children in Need, Teenage Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust, Young Epilepsy, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Starlight, and local hospice Naomi House & Jack’s Place.

CarFest South takes place at Laverstoke Park Farm from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 August.