CarFest has today announced its support for Northamptonshire Community Foundation as a local charity partner for its 2026 festival, taking place at Silverstone Circuit over the August Bank Holiday weekend from 28 to 30 August. The Foundation will receive two per cent of the total funds raised through CarFest this year, as the festival puts down roots in the county and looks to give something back to the community on its doorstep.

It marks a significant moment for CarFest, which has raised over £28 million for UK children's charities since launching in 2012, founded by Chris Evans. As the festival makes its first ever appearance at Silverstone, working with Northamptonshire Community Foundation as a local partner reflects an exciting new chapter in CarFest's charitable giving.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the leading independent grant-making charity in the county. Since 2001, it has awarded more than £25 million in grants to local voluntary and community organisations, channelling on average over £1 million every year to projects tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing people in Northamptonshire, from child poverty and homelessness to unemployment and social isolation. Every pound raised stays in the county, going directly to the causes and communities that need it most.

The partnership brings together two organisations with a genuine commitment to local impact. CarFest's arrival at Silverstone this August Bank Holiday is an iconic moment for the festival, and the funds generated through ticket sales will play a direct role in supporting the Foundation's work across the county for years to come.

Chris Evans, Founder of CarFest, said: “CarFest has always been about more than a great weekend. It is about making a genuine difference to the communities around us. As we head to Silverstone for the first time, we are so proud to be supporting the Northamptonshire Community Foundation and the incredible work they do right here in the county. Every ticket bought this August Bank Holiday will help fund that work and we cannot wait to celebrate that together.”

Rachel McGrath, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation said: “We are absolutely delighted to be named as a CarFest charity partner for 2026. CarFest coming to Silverstone is a brilliant moment for Northamptonshire and knowing that funds raised will stay right here in the county, going directly to the people and communities that need them most, makes this partnership feel really special. We cannot wait to be part of what promises to be a fantastic weekend.”

Northamptonshire Community Foundation joins an established group of national charity partners who benefit from the festival each year. BBC Children in Need receives 50 per cent of the total funds raised, with Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, Starlight Children's Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Epilepsy each receiving seven per cent. The addition of five new regional charities, each receiving two per cent, will leave a further five per cent for other good causes.

CarFest at Silverstone this August Bank Holiday promises to be the biggest edition of the family fundraising festival yet, bringing together seven festival experiences in one iconic location: Cars at CarFest, KidsFest, FoodFest, RetroFest, SpaFest, StarFest and a packed music programme featuring headline acts including Tom Jones, Jessie J, Nile Rodgers and CHIC, Rick Astley, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Proclaimers, Sugababes and Gabrielle, alongside an incredible supporting lineup across Club CarFest and the Wigwam Stage.

Chris Evans adds: “By coming to CarFest every single person is making a difference and helping our charity partners. Ten per cent of the face value of every ticket sold goes directly into the fundraising pot, plus all profits from the event. That means every ticket purchased this August Bank Holiday is not just a great weekend for every visitor, but a direct contribution to the charities that need it most. Come for the supercars, the superstars, the food and the fun. Leave having made a huge difference!”

CarFest presented by bp takes place at Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northampton between 28-30 August 2026. Tickets are available from www.carfest.org