Silverstone Festival Bows Out — CarFest to Take Over August Bank Holiday Slot from 2026
The 2025 Silverstone Festival (Friday 22 – Sunday 24 August), commemorating the 75th anniversary of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, will mark the final edition of this beloved motorsport and family-entertainment event. From 2026 onwards, the August Bank Holiday festival slot will be taken over by CarFest, bringing its celebrated mix of cars, music and fundraising to the iconic Silverstone Circuit.
Farewell to Silverstone Festival After a Storied Run
Since its rebranding from the Silverstone Classic and its establishment as the Silverstone Festival, this three-day August Bank Holiday event has been a highlight on the UK motorsport and entertainment calendar. The 2025 edition welcomes headliners such as Natasha Bedingfield, Craig David and Ministry of Sound Classical, paired with thrilling historic races, supercar displays by Supercar Driver, foodie attractions, classic-car club parades and immersive family zones.
As one of the most immersive celebrations of motorsport and heritage - featuring iconic car collections, club displays, and live music—the Festival has delivered decades of unforgettable experiences to fans.
CarFest Takes the Helm from 2026
In an exciting new chapter, CarFest, the family-oriented music, motoring and fundraising festival founded by Chris Evans in 2012, will move to Silverstone from 2026 onward. The event has earned acclaim at its former site in Hampshire for blending charitable giving with music, motoring, food, wellness and family attractions.
The 2026 edition of CarFest at Silverstone is scheduled for 27–30 August, spanning the August Bank Holiday weekend. This relocation promises a more expansive stage, improved accessibility, enhanced comforts and new off-track experiences - like the state-of-the-art Kart Silverstone - without losing the festival’s forward-thinking spirit and charitable mission.
Chris Evans stated:
“This move opens up possibilities we’ve never had before, more space, more cars, more ways to surprise and delight our audience and most importantly, an opportunity to raise even more money for UK children’s charities… The heart of CarFest will always be the same…”
Silverstone’s CEO, Stuart Pringle, added that CarFest is a “perfect fit” - a “true highlight of the British festival calendar” that blends music, motors, food and fundraising in a family-friendly package”