CarFest, the family festival created by Chris Evans continues in its mission to Do More Good by spreading the word about how the money raised from ticket sales to CarFest directly supports eight incredible charities, notably helping young people in the UK.
Two people from Hampshire, Isabelle and Josh, will be ‘Faces’ of this year’s Do More Good Campaign, each representing one of the eight charity partners who receive direct and life-changing funding from the festival. Their powerful stories showcase how incredibly important the charities and their work are to so many, with festival goers gaining a better understanding of how their attendance truly helps those in need.
Launched in 2012, the weekend-long family festival was created to raise funds for UK children’s charities. Since its inception, the festival has raised over £24 million for its charity partners.
Isabelle, 4, from Fleet will represent Rainbow Trust. Christina and Duncan are parents to four-year-old twins, Isabelle and Max, and six-year-old Jack. The twins were born prematurely at 24 weeks and required immediate medical attention from birth. Max made good progress and was discharged after four months; however, Isabelle’s needs were more serious and she remained in hospital for 10 and a half months before coming home. Isabelle was diagnosed with a condition called subglottic stenosis, requiring her to have a tracheostomy to help her breathe, and she now requires 24-hour care.
The money that CarFest raises for Rainbow Trust will support families with a child who has been diagnosed with a serious illness. Rainbow Trust pairs each family with an expert Family Support Worker who enables them to make the most of time together, giving the whole family, including parents and siblings, practical and emotional support whenever they need it, for as long as it is needed.
Christina, Isabelle’s mum said: “‘It is like a lovely friend that comes and helps us. Rainbow Trust has made my life significantly better. It’s made a huge difference and there’s nothing else that could offer that kind of support.”
Josh, 28, will represent Hampshire charity Naomi House & Jacksplace, a hospice for children and young adults. Josh has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which is a muscle-wasting condition affecting every muscle in his body, including his heart. Josh’s condition means he has lost the ability to walk and he often feels weak. Jacksplace hospice supports Josh with respite stays and regular visits to the hospice’s Day Service programme. During these visits, Josh can meet with other young adults who are using the service. Josh enjoys his independence at Jacksplace and socialising with friends.
Josh said: “I’m excited to have been invited to CarFest, it’s great that Chris Evans and the team at CarFest are helping to support local charities like Naomi House & Jacksplace, a charity I’ve been supported by since 1997. Jacksplace is special because there’s nowhere else like it nearby. When I visit Jacksplace, I know the nurses and the team there, it’s a familiar place where I can go and socialise, be independent and also get expert care and support. Thank you to CarFest for supporting Naomi House & Jacksplace, and I’m looking forward to seeing you at the festival!”
Funds raised for Naomi House & Jacksplace will help provide care and support for young adults like Josh, and for the children and families who visit their hospices.
Chris Evans said: “CarFest has always been about helping those in need and the fact that thousands of people also get to enjoy one of the best weekends ever whilst doing so much good for so many others, is a double win-win.”
Held over the bank holiday weekend of 25-27 August at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, cinch presents CarFest 2023 will again host a whopping seven magical festivals in one: AdventureFest, FoodFest, KidsFest, RetroFest, StarFest, SpaFest and of course, CarFest!
Fan-favourites McFly are back again to headline on Friday with 2023 marking 20 years since they first started gigging. Headlining on Saturday is the legendary Craig David, who will return to his Hampshire roots after rising to global fame 25 years ago. Texas will be tearing up the stage as Sunday night’s headliner to close off what will be an epic Bank Holiday weekend.
Alongside these music legends will be a further stellar line of names including Rick Astley, Alex Horne and the Horne Section, BoyzLife and The Village People with DJ sets from Gok Wan and James Haskell.
But it’s not just live music – CarFest has also announced its cohort of celebrities at this year’s event, such as Anton Du Beke, Ben Miller, Jimmy Carr, Rob Brydon, Russell Brand, and plenty more including celebrity chefs and wellness experts. Guests can expect discussions on a wide scope of topics within the entertainment world across the festival’s many star-studded stages, as well as opportunities to have their burning questions answered.
BBC Children in Need continues to remain as CarFest’s principal charity partner and will receive 50% of the total funds raised. Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, My Black Dog and Young Epilepsy will each receive 7% of the funds raised with local Hampshire-based charity Naomi House & Jacksplace receiving 2% of the funds raised. The remaining 6% will be donated to a number of charities that will be confirmed over the coming months.
The brainchild of radio presenter Chris Evans, CarFest will be entering its 12th year this August and it promises to be the best yet. With enough activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained, it’s the perfect way to spend the Bank Holiday weekend.
Tickets are available to purchase from www.carfest.org
