CarFest South 2014 Review
CarFest South 2014
22-24 August 2014
Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
Fabulously situated in rural Hampshire countryside yet close to the M3 & A303, CarFest South really does have something for everyone. Vehicles of all types, more than enough to keep the most ardent enthusiast happy, food marquees, craft stalls, fairground rides and of course the main stage providing musical entertainment every evening.
CarFest is held over three consecutive days with onsite camping, and I must admit at first I thought there would not be enough to keep everyone occupied for three days. After spending one long full day there and not having time to do half the things we wanted, I stand corrected. There are fantastic food workshops where you could learn to bake bread, just one of a list of options, a second arena holding entertainment such as the Lamb Grand National and The Big Top, packed full of children’s entertainment were just few things we only managed to touch on.
At the centre of the festival is the track where all day long vehicles, from the sublime to the ridiculous, parade intermingled with the hill climb where a variety of magnificent seven cars race. Also held twice a day is the seven’s auction where you can bid for a passenger ride in one of seven fabulous cars such as Nick Mason’s McLaren F1 GTR with all proceeds going to children in need.
The entertainment continues in the skies above the festival ground, with bi plane displays and an absolutely amazing helicopter display, my heart was in my mouth the whole time I watched. It really is the perfect family festival with what looked like the majority bringing children of all ages. There is so much for children to do, they will never get bored. There is bouncy castle land, crazy football, cars and trucks to ride in, the police and army area’s with assault course and motorbikes, the list just goes on.
The music is eclectic from Chas & Dave to 10CC and the Kaiser Chiefs and lasts for around five hours a night. Bring a chair and a blanket and make yourself comfortable listening to some great bands. The area around the main arena does get pretty packed but there are plenty of big screens elsewhere if you fancy more space.
The amount of people is regulated into the festival so it never feels over crowded; enough to create a great atmosphere yet leave enough room for viewing the cars and stalls without pushing and shoving. Food wise there is plenty of choice from Thai to fish and chips but on Sunday the food marquee closes at 6pm so if you want speciality cheeses and other goodies remember to shop early.
Discussing it in the car on the way home while a very tired toddler slept in the back we decided CarFest was halfway between a festival and a large county show, all the music, camping, and shows as a festival but the vehicles, trade stands and main arena felt more like a county show.
We were impressed by the organisation, parking and choice of things to see and do. Lots of it was free once you had paid your entrance ticket so it is good value for money for families and couples alike. Even more so as with proceeds going to Children in Need you are doing your bit for charity too. So go along, have a fabulous weekend, listen to great music, watch fast cars and join in all manner of workshops whilst supporting a good cause.
Rating: 5/5 
CarFest is held twice a year – one in the North and one in the South. For more information visit www.carfest.org.
