Successful CarFest North raises nearly £1 million for charity

| 11 Sep 2012

More than 25,000 visitors flocked to Cholmondeley Castle for CarFest North on 8-9 September.

As with its southern sister, the event was billed by creator Chris Evans as a celebration of cars, music and food.

Machinery on show included the Radio 2 DJ’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica and his ‘magnificent seven Ferraris’ including a 1964 Ferrari 250GT Lusso, a 1971 Ferrari Dino, a 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa recreation and his £5million 1961 Ferrari 250GT California Spider.

Evans was joined by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, in his rebuilt Le Mans-starring Ferrari 512S, while 2003 World Rally Champion Petter Solberg performed demonstrations in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Flypasts from aircraft such as the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster bomber, Meteor, the Vulcan bomber and two RAF Tornados took the action into the air.

Texas, Paloma Faith, The Proclaimers, The Magic Numbers and Razorlight provided the main-stage music.

Meanwhile, food and drink was on offer in the Britain’s Best Pavilion, which also hosted the early rounds of the ‘Cakes v Pies’ competition.

Evans said: “CarFest North and South have been a dream team of food, music, cars and fun. The jackpot has been the family atmosphere dictated by the children themselves. Both venues were fabulous and we thank our hosts very much.”

It is estimated that the two events have raised more than £800,000 for BBC Children in Need.