James Morrison

Carfest 2026 – Reviewed!

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Author: Natasha Molar

When the opportunity to experience CarFest headed my way, it may seem particularly daft for me to say that I didn’t realise there would be so many cars… In my defence, the line up poster I came across on Google was music heavy; live music acts at the top, DJ’s next, comedy / celebrity listings and then a line towards the bottom actually mentioned cars, just above the cookery masterclasses and mindfulness. But the location being Silverstone circuit – a new venue for CarFest – told me there was more to bargain for than that line on the poster suggested.

Established in 2012 by that ginger bloke off the radio and telly, Chris Evans, CarFest calls itself out as the UK’s largest family fundraising festival. If you need an extra excuse to go out and have a good time, 10% of every ticket sale goes to UK children’s charities, 100% of CarFest profits. But will you have a good time? Well, along with my able 8 year-old assistant, we certainly tested as many things as robustly as we could. Including my wallet.

Saturday

(…and genuinely sorry to have missed the vocally stunning Jessie J on the Friday)

Thanks to thunderstorms not agreeing with planes just a day before the festival, we were running very behind schedule. Perhaps a blessing in disguise that we were still sheltering in the car park as the heavens opened very enthusiastically onto the poor folks of CarFest. Still, by the time we joined the fun, the organisers had been out with the bark chips and we just got away with not having to bring out the wellies. Between Kart Silverstone and Young Driver – having both the Firefly Sport Car for ages 4-8 and instructor-led driving lessons in a Suzuki Swift (or similar) for ages 9-17 – we had barely made it off the starting line and I knew I’d need deep pockets!

I managed to wrangle the child into the festival proper, starting out at Kidfest. CarFest is sectioned off into the many different areas of the festival, a handy way to experience similar things you are keen to visit – not so useful if the whole family has ideas of doing different things in the moment. But the festival site overall is easy to navigate, so get yourselves sorted for a meet up point and make the most of what you want to do or you might run out of time. We found ourselves in a controlled area with wooden pallets to saw and nail into making dens. This is the most thrilling thing to do with real tools when you are 8 years old and also hard work when you’re the mum doing the actual sawing. I did repay by repeating ‘mate, we could’ve done DIY at home.’ Always good to confirm that you are, in fact, a parenting cliché.

To move into the other festival areas, you need to cross the race track, so you can’t just head in and out at any time; it’s closed for 30 minutes at four scheduled times during the day because it is understandably frowned upon to mix pedestrians with race cars. We took this time to head up into the stand and watch some cars whizzing past before exploring the enticing promise of the tents beyond.

First up SpaFest, centre for all things relaxing, including yoga, pottery, dance, sound baths, paint and crafts, with guests such as Mr Motivator, Sally Gunnell and Mo Farah. But relaxing with an excited youngster at a festival was not on the cards, so we snuck through RetroFest – me looking back longingly at the Vintage Tea Room and the Retro record Fair – but gladly able to appreciate some absolutely gorgeous car club motors in the Classic Quarter. Seeing people being able to bring their passions along and chat to people appreciating them is I think what gives CarFest some of its friendly family vibe; and we love to hear it.

Much as I could stare at a VW Karmann Ghia all day, I pressed us forward, blinkers on to finally get to the music arena. I feared we wouldn’t catch a single act, as there was so much to do. But catch we did, with James Morrison celebrating 20 years since his debut. What a voice! As a rocker, I’ll confess that I only know his classics like You Give Me Something and Broken Strings so I was pleasantly surprised to be impressed by his vocal tone and live performance. As I looked around the arena, families that had split off for different activities earlier in the day had re-met to make the most of the rare sunshine along with the music. I was struck by the multi-generational family set-ups as people settled into their camp chairs, and that solidified for me what CarFest is about – being there with your niece who is 18 months, your Dad who is 65 and every family member in between.

Rick Parfitt Jnr was up next with his band and as I was distracted by huge bubble blowing machines on poles adding to the atmosphere, my kid was rocking his socks off. Rick plays cover songs, mostly medleys, be it I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas to Seven Nation Army by White Stripes. I can be a serious old musical sausage at times and the thought of hearing more songs in this mash up monstrosity made me itch, until I looked around. Seeing so many happy, smiling faces sing back at each other, I succumbed to getting the little on my shoulders and dancing around. It’s what its all about after all. I switched the torch onto my phone and passed it to kiddo to wave in the air to Coldplay’s Fix You and Prince’s Purple Rain. In a sweet tribute to his Dad, recognising it being 10 years this year since he passed away, Rick Jnr shared that he’d bumped into his dad’s guitar tech who was there working with Tom Jones. Soon CarFest was Rockin’ All Over the World with the advice of ‘if you don’t know the lyrics, there aren’t many, you’ll soon get the hang of it.’ Too true Rick. It felt like the band couldn’t quite finish as they moved to one more song, followed by one more song and CarFest lapped it up.

I am of an age where I recall the joke about the Sugababes was that anyone might be in them by next week, but the line-up is back to the original members performing here at Silverstone. Despite my expressed fondness for rock music, I will frown upon anyone who doesn’t admit that Freak Like Me is an absolute banger and it was great to hear it live. Focussing on our stomachs, we stayed in earshot for hits such as Hole in the Head and Push the Button – it’s not hard to figure out why the Sugababes are a pop sensation. Of course, I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole to discover that all of the band were contributing songwriters. Bravo.

James Morrison might’ve been my biggest surprise of the day, but that’s only because I already had expectations of the headliner’s legendary voice. He was even on a TV show called The Voice for goodness sake! Unsurprisingly, stalwart 86-year-old Tom Jones knows how to entertain and charm a crowd. The guitar-based ballad he was singing – I knew the words, but somehow my mental filing couldn’t quite place it until ‘Sex Bomb, Sex Bomb, you’re a Sex Bomb!’ And as the crown sang back It’s Not Unusual with gusto, it in fact was not unusual that my little man was quite tuckered out and we headed out to rest up for…

Sunday

A short walk in and we were greeted by Rock Choir near the Kart track – thank you for the warm and uplifting welcome. Back to Kidfest – of course we could not walk past – and a paid activity this time of what I can only describe as being put in with a load of balloons in a snow globe! We found ourselves with far too many things to do – from the Adrenaline Area with a climbing wall and zip line, to Pudsey’s Spot with BBC Children in Need – the little was scooted away from his new potential future in limbo to look at cars…

And boy, did we embrace being at Silverstone! Heading back across the track, we got a peep of the funny little Ford Pops (don’t @ me, I love them) racing around and doing a drift show.

Then we walked the Cars @ CarFest, adding onto our in-head car shopping wishlist. Ambling past the corporate sponsors, car makers, rally cars, everything shiny and slick…

…until we did hit a section in my price range – Hot Wheels! Alas, I had my eye on the rather wonderful full-size versions, but we played with the toys for some time while friends watched the supercars on the track. If you were quick off the mark with pre-booking, you could even run 3K of the track as part of the Festival Dash, but tickets sold out in advance. Shame. Who am I kidding? I wasn’t running…

This full size Riddler Hot Wheels Legend is a VW Beetle! Can you believe it? It was given away somewhat from the rear engine view, but even I didn’t twig initially from the front and I’ve spent long enough dealing with their special brand of nonsense as an owner…

Supercars hung out in the International Paddock and although you could look from the barrier, this wasn’t a place to get up close, as the cars were heading in and out to the racetrack. If you wanted to queue up for a Grid Walk, there was the opportunity to walk among the cars on the track once they were lined up and in position. And what does a fancy-pants person do when they want to show off their car even more? For a £100 pre-bookable donation, you could meet the owner in the paddock and sit at the wheel. If you were feeling flush – you could book a track ride for £600 upwards from Sporting Bears Dream Rides or with Road Rides starting from £20. All money in the bag for the good causes supported by CarFest.

If you wanted something a little faster, the drag teams had it covered, including the lovely folks from Santa Pod Raceway and the Junior Dragsters. I love a drag strip – the noise, the flames, the speed – but I wasn’t sold on letting my precious angel start racing, which is possible from age 8 apparently. Yeah, let’s gloss over that one…

Last bits of track action for the festival and we were thrilled to catch the drift show, where the tyres are genuinely mostly left on the track…

….as you can see clearly on the final laps of the day.

As the weekend drew to a close back in the music arena, I caught a moment of the Proclaimers who got folks up out of their chairs and singing along, which was no mean feat after a long weekend. But the kids had other ideas and so we caved and spent a small fortune in the funfair, and after too many rides the kids laid on the ground feeling sick, which tickled me more than it should as someone who gets motion sickness! Shamefully, we departed ahead of Rick Astley and headline act Nile Rogers & Chic but sometimes with kids at festivals, you just have to put their needs first. It’s a different experience but one that’s still worthwhile. As we wound our way out of the festival, 90s pop star Gabrielle was entertaining the crowds, singing perfectly Out of Reach, which is honestly how we felt about finding where we’d parked – organisers, more signage and lights for this please.

I’m not a veteran of CarFest, so I can’t compare against the previous events and what this meant for this first year at Silverstone. As a first timer, I noticed a few things I would consider before heading back. As corporate sponsored fundraising festival you definitely don’t want to be there on a budget. It’s possible, but it would affect just how much you could embrace all the fun things available (and the strain on your earholes if you are sensitive to repetitive requests of ‘I want to do that Mum!)’ and of course, you will want to be add to that lovely charity total. There’s a real feelgood factor to supporting the causes by having fun.

There is absolutely so much to do at Carfest, I haven’t even got to talking about the many stalls set out in FoodFest, the book store by Waterstones, The Author’s tent, the Tasting tent… I’d regard pre-planning as essential if you do want to attend specific events, such as the Festival Dash, and I suspect that slots to book a car ride may be limited or booked out on the day.

Overall, a jam-packed action weekend, suitable for all the family providing they have the energy or you seek accessible support – we did 17,000 steps both days and did not have the to and fro of the campsite to consider. You’d do well not to like all things and ditch folks by the track while you do a soundbath for example, but for those of us who do like all things, it’s best to accept that you won’t do all of them. And you’ll need some organisation and bags of energy to embrace as much as you possibly can.

Natasha Molar for SFG

IN IT TOGETHER FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE 2024 HEADLINERS

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Daily Mirror ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Sun “…a weekend party like no other”

 

The countdown is well and truly on for Wales’ biggest family festival as ‘In It Together’ announce their headline acts for 2024.  Set to make for an unforgettable weekend  – Sugababes, Rag’n’Bone Man andDizzee Rascal have today been unveiled as the headliners for the festival, which returns to Margam in South Wales next May.
 
Sugababes are one of the most successful British girl bands of the 21st century, scoring 6 UK number 1 singles, millions of global sales, and multiple multi-platinum albums. Joining them on the bill is 3 time Brit Award winner Rag’n’Bone Man, whose 4x platinum selling 2017 debut album ‘Human’ became the fastest selling debut album by a male artist of the decade.
 
Also announced today – Cat Burns, Eliza Rose, Craig David’s TS5, James Morrison, Diversity, Joel Corry, Eats Everything, and Sigma are joining a stellar line-up of international stars includingRazorlight, Sam Ryder, Billy Ocean, Blue, Scouting for Girls, Sister Sledge and Gruff Rhys. 
 
With budgets in mind, and cementing their status as the biggest family-friendly festival in Wales, In It Together are also launching their ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign – where children can now attend the festival for free as part of a family ticket.  This means access to 150 artists playing over the weekend – plus over 100 free family activities included at no extra charge.
 
Among the activities are the Climbing Wall, Tic Tac Skate School, Outdoor Cinema, Sports Academy, Science School and Junior Jungle all making a welcome return.  Joining them for 2024 will be an Extreme Sports Arena with BMX, Parkour and Volt Stunt Shows and Workshops, Live Wrestling, a designated Baby and Toddler tent and brand new Street Food Village. So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or fancy yourself as the foodie of the family – there is sure to be something to satisfy your cravings.
 
Another returning fan favourite is Steelworks which will be bigger than ever in 2024.  The stage will showcase the best world music –  everything from Reggae, Funk, Soul, Afrobeat to Dub and more.  On Sunday the stage will be hosted by crowd favourites Chai Wallahs.
 
The festival’s iconic dance tent Panchaia will once again see the worlds of House, Techno and Drum n Bass collide in 2024.  Elsewhere on site, the popular Rewind arena is back after an epic 2023 debut, playing the very best of 90’s and 00’s anthems.  Garage Nation, Noughty 90s and Judgement will all host over the weekend.
 
As well as welcoming some of the biggest international names to the Welsh Valleys, the festival will once again be a proud supporter of upcoming local talent – with the Padlock Stage hosting over 30 Welsh artists, showcasing the country’s finest exports.
 
Speaking about this year’s festival Mark Hopkins, Head of Festivals said: ‘‘After much hard work behind the scenes, we’re thrilled to finally be able to announce Sugababes, Rag’n’Bone Man and Dizzee Rascal as the headline acts for 2024. “
 
Earlier this year the family-friendly weekender well and truly cemented its status as the number 1 festival in Wales, with headliners The Kooks, Anne-Marie and James playing to sold out crowds under the glorious May sunshine.  A remarkable achievement for a festival which only made its debut in 2022.
 
Tickets for In It Together 2024 will be available from 10am on the Monday 27th November– register atwww.inittogetherfestival.com. Prices start from £159 for a weekend ticket or £319 for family tickets (2 adults with 2 kids going free).  Secure your ticket for a £20 deposit and pay nothing more until after Christmas.

James Morrison at Hampton Court Palace Festival 2017

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As music venues go, the royal Hampton Court Palace, situated snug in the borough of Richmond, Greater London is arguably as impressive as it gets. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Hampton Court Palace Festival, which takes place annually every June, once again confirmed world-class acts including Bryan Ferry, James Morrison, Jools Holland, Rick Astley, Björn Again and The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra for their outdoor summer concerts.

It was a grey and slightly rainy summer’s day and I was off to see singer-songwriter and 2007 Brit Award winner James Morrison on Thursday 8th June take centre stage in Henry VIII’s historic open air Base Court, one of the stunning Tudor Courtyards of the palace. As an avid listener of his chart-topping album ‘Songs for You, Truths for Me’ back in 2008, a nostalgic trip down memory lane was very much appealing, and I was also keen to lend my ear to some later tracks I wasn’t as familiar with.

With ample time before the 9 pm start, there was plenty of time to enjoy a glass of red and admire the East Front Gardens. And my, what a picture they were. Perfectly preened lawns and distinctively shaped trees shaped the area, and despite the lacklustre weather plenty of people had made an impressive effort with their picnics spread out on the grass. For those that were less organised (myself included!), there were plenty of delicious food stalls selling a variety of different dishes. It really was an absolutely stunning setting to unwind in before a show and I felt relaxed and content sipping my wine in such beautiful surroundings.

                                          

It was soon time for James to take to the stage, and we made our way through the palace to Base Court, completely in awe at our surroundings. Bursting onto the stage, an introduction with the 2009 single ‘Nothing ever hurt like you’, elevated the crowds, some even rising to dance already. After a bit of light-hearted chit-chat to the 3,000 strong audience, up next it was the slower, mid-tempo ballad ‘I won’t let you go’ from 2011 album ‘The Awakening’, the slower rhythm inviting arm swaying from the audience.

‘Stay like this’ from the more recent 2015 album ‘Higher than here’ brought on swooning and wolf whistles, after which James’s sweetly explained it was written with his girlfriend in mind, followed by smooth and velvety vocals of ‘Something right’ from the same album.

Crowd-pleasing 2006 hit single ‘Wonderful world’ had the audience up on their feet, many singing along and turning to the catchy chorus. Interestingly (and as James hilariously pointed out – quite ironically) we learnt that the song was actually penned for a deaf man – though this wasn’t expanded on. Taking advantage of everyone up on their feet, hip-swayer ‘Slave to the music’ was next on the playlist, with everyone jigging along.

My personal favourite ‘Broken Strings’, an original duet with Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado seemingly had everyone feeling emotional and singing along, and paired with stunning female vocals it was my personal highlight of the show.  

As the performance slowly started to draw to a close, we were treated to the likes of ‘I need you tonight’ from ‘Higher than here’, and of course it wouldn’t be a James Morrison show without the unforgettable 2006 hit single ‘You give me something’ – a classic that everyone knew the words too.

The spectacular setting, matched with a delightful performance from James Morrison made the evening a truly memorable experience and a wonderful way to spend a summer evening, even despite the rain! The Hampton Court Palace Festival showcases outstanding acts year after year, so I eagerly look forward to checking out next year’s line-up.

Bryan Adams & Jamiroquai to headline Magic Summer Live!

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In what will be their only UK performance this year, Jamiroquai will be taking to the stage on Saturday 13 July and Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams will be performing at the festival on Sunday 14 July. Joining this stellar line up will be James Morrison, Joss Stone, Squeeze, Level 42, Soul II Soul, The Overtones and Kim Wilde.Tickets are on sale Friday 15 March at 8am, available at www.magicsummerlive.co.uk

Bryan Adams, Sunday’s headliner, has sold over 65 million records, toured over six continents and has achieved no.1 status in over 40 countries around the world. Adams’ song writing talent has scaled generations, with hits including “Summer Of ‘69”, “Heaven”, “Please Forgive Me”, and “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, which spent 16 weeks at the top of the UK single charts.

Having sold more than 25 million albums worldwide Jamiroquai are one of the UK’s biggest musical exports. The band will take to the Magic Summer Live stage for their only UK performance this year on Saturday 13 July. What marks the 20th anniversary of Emergency On Planet Earth, Jamiroquai will bring their special blend of pop, rock and funky soul to Stoke Park for what is bound to be a very memorable performance. With a career lasting 20 years, Jamiroquai will be taking to the main stage and performing hits including “Virtual Insanity”, “Cosmic Girl”, “Love Foolosophy” and  “Canned Heat”.

Jamiroquai

Neil Fox, Magic 105.4 Breakfast presenter, says: “This is going to be an amazing weekend. Some of my favourite acts who are all fantastic live, playing at a beautiful new location for Magic Summer Live. Roll on Summer!”

British soul sensation Joss Stone and “Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)” hit makers and two time Grammy award winning Soul II Soul have both been confirmed to perform at the festival on Saturday 13 July. Joining the line-up on Sunday 14 July will be BRIT Award winning singer/songwriter James Morrison, British new wave pop music icons Squeeze, rock & jazz-funk stars Level 42 and the UK’s hottest vocal harmony group The Overtones. Magic 105.4 presenter Kim Wilde will also be joining the Sunday line up and will be performing hits including “Kids in America” and “You Keep Me Hanging On”. Many more artists to be announced soon.

What is already sure to be a highlight of the summer for all the family, Magic Summer Live will host a spectacular array of activities and entertainment on site at Guildford’s Stoke Park. In addition to the Main Stage, the ‘West End’ Stage will showcase performances from some of the best-loved musicals and shows, with details to be announced soon. Organisers are keen to ensure that local businesses and talent alike are well served by the event and the festival will showcase some of the best local talent Guildford has to offer. An initiative is currently being put into place to involve as many Guildford local / independent businesses to trade on the site as possible. More information will be made available soon.

Lineup announced for Cornbury Festival

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Just look who’s coming…major international stars like Elvis Costello, James Morrison and Alison Moyet….great performers like Will Young, Jools Holland, and the irrepressible bluesman Seasick Steve, pop princess Pixie Lott, the intriguing trio Stooshe and mischievous Norwegian instrumentalists Katzenjammer will all join the fun. US diva Macy Gray makes her first ever UK Festival appearance.

James Morrison

Here’s Cornbury 2012’s complete line-up…SO FAR.

Opening up Friday is aspiring singer Juan Zelada and rocker Beth Hart. The day unfolds with appearances from the likes of critically-acclaimed star Gretchen Peters, the awesome live act that is Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves along with starlet Pixie Lott. Friday night sees festival favourites Waterboys, 80s diva Alison Moyet and singer-song writer James Morrison.

Come Saturday and Cornbury favourite Elvis Costello will be joined on the main stage by his band The Imposters, while gracing the Songbird stage will be House TV star-turned bluesman Hugh Laurie & his Copper Bottom Band. Revellers will also be treated to the ultra-talented Police Dog Hogan along with local hero Danny & The Champions of the World on the main stage. Other artists include troubadour Newton Faulkner, the awesome Rainy Boy Sleep, the emotionally raw Tom Baxter, joined by Aloe Blacc, who brings his Motown-esque troupe for some compulsory dancing on the back of their international hit ‘I Need a Dollar’

National Treasure Jools Holland, brings his unique Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to Sunday’s proceedings with guests Marc Almond & Ruby Turner. Rhythm & blues fans are further catered for with legendary rockers 9 Below Zero and extraordinary Texan rockers Los Lonely Boys. Closing the Songbird stage is the beautiful songwriter Nerina Pallot, who makes a welcome return, and Norway’s best live band, the completely brilliant Katzenjammer will be strumming, plucking, blowing and banging their way through a huge selection of instruments.

Also at Cornbury 2012…

The Absolute Comedy Stage returns bigger and better than ever before. Expect a fun-filled Friday programme presented by local regulars Charlbury Riverside, who is set to field a two-day 3rd stage line-up joined by Balham’s infamous Kashmir Club. On top of this, a fantastic children’s zone with countless programmes will keep kids entertained all weekend long.

“Getting the artist bill together is always a nail-biting task but I think we’ve raised the bar yet again with some great exclusives and a fantastic range of artists, so there really is something for everyone –  and maybe I’ll even get to see some of it” says festival director Hugh Phillimore.  

    “2012 could be our best year yet. We’ve weathered some difficult times in previous years, successfully relocated the festival to an even better site, stayed true to our original aims in remaining a truly independent family festival, and I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from the local community who’ve supported us brilliantly over the years – so all bodes well for a successful 9th Cornbury.”

As a family-orientated festival, Cornbury undoubtedly offers something for everyone. The glamour, the charm and the comfort of a VIP area have given it the status for being UK’s ‘cleanest, cosiest’ boutique festival. With a slightly eccentric atmosphere and mixture of the old and new, this quintessentially English event preserves its good natured, inclusive feel. Set in one of the most spectacular and most ancient sites in the Cotswold countryside, coupled with some truly ‘feel-good’ music, Cornbury 2012 is sure to resonate in everybody’s mind.