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Join us on Thursday 21st August for The Big Early ‘on the beach’ with Neilson Beach Clubs and get a head start on your festival weekend!
Let’s be honest, setting up your tent can be exhausting, so why not do it stress free? Arrive a day early to pitch up at your own pace, grab the best spot, and settle in before the festival begins. Once you’re all set, celebrate the start of your weekend with a fun-filled evening of live entertainment, giant games, and an epic Silent Disco!
With campsite doors open from 4pm - 8pm, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, unwind, and dive straight into the action. Get ready for a stress-free start to your CarFest weekend and join us at The Big Early ‘on the beach’ with Neilson Beach Clubs
Glamping Notice: Perfectly Pitched and Tangerine Fields are not open on Thursday. Only Hotel Bell Tent will be available that night. However, if you're staying with Hotel Bell Tent, please note that you will not have access to The Big Early on the main campsite. Instead, alternative entertainment will be provided at Hotel Bell Tent on Thursday evening.
Please note that you cannot access The Big Early on the main campsite if you have booked with Hotel Bell Tent. Alternative entertainment will be available at Hotel Bell Tent on Thursday evening.
Pack your sunnies, bring your best moves, and gather the whole crew, because The Big Early Stage is back, and it’s bringing ALL the vibes to kick off CarFest in epic style!
Set against a laid-back beachy backdrop, this feel-good Friday night is where the weekend truly begins. Hosted once again by the ever-charming Luke and Al, and joined by the one-and-only AJ & Curtis, the Big Early promises an evening full of energy, laughs, music, and magical moments for the whole family.
Here’s what’s in store throughout the evening… we kick off at 5.30pm so be sure to get your tent pitched before then!
Kickstart your festival the Neilson way with a high-energy, feel-good workout with the Good Energy Gang.
The Neilson Good Energy Gang bursts onto the stage to get the party started! Expect dancing, giveaways, and a wave of pure positivity that’ll have you smiling, moving, and ready for the night ahead.
Hold onto your beach hats, it’s time to officially open CarFest 2025! AJ & Curtis are bringing the fun with a high-energy welcome, followed by a DJ battle that’ll have the crowd jumping and the tunes pumping. Who will win? You decide!
The stage lights go up and the magic begins as the multi-award-winning Basingstoke Gang Show brings a sparkling showcase of showbiz glamour, toe-tapping tunes, and feel-good musical numbers straight from their latest production. A CarFest favourite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Preview of upcoming books
Star-studded literary conversations
Readings, revelations and the writing process
VIP book signing opportunities
Preview of upcoming books
Star-studded literary conversations
Expert tips for year-round grilling
VIP book signing opportunities
Preview of upcoming books
Star-studded literary conversations
Readings, revelations and the writing process
VIP book signing opportunities
Adventure, silliness, and plenty of giggles await as the Super Pirates storm the stage with their riotously fun, interactive family show. Expect panto-style storytelling, epic games, and lots of laughs, this is one for the memory books!
Exclusive signed editions
First access to upcoming celebrity releases
Author appearances and signings
Family favourite books
Exclusive signed editions
First access to upcoming celebrity releases
Author appearances and signings
Family favourite books
Exclusive signed editions
First access to upcoming celebrity releases
Author appearances and signings
Family favourite books
Packed with giant garden games, thrilling sports challenges including a chance to play pickleball, face painting, balloon modelling, and lots of bubbles, it’s the ultimate place to laugh, play, and make new festival friends! Plus, our fabulous partners Neilson Beach Clubs will be bringing a host of goodies for you to win!
Celebrity author storytelling sessions
Live illustration workshops
Character meet-and-greets
Star-studded interactive workshops
Celebrity author storytelling sessions
Live illustration workshops
Character meet-and-greets
Star-studded interactive workshops
Celebrity author storytelling sessions
Live illustration workshops
Character meet-and-greets
Star-studded interactive workshops
From sparkling facepaint to playful tattoos, we’ll get you festival-ready with colour, glitter and a whole lot of Neilson Beach Club Flair.
Get your hands on our iconic bucket hats and sunnies, but be quick, they’re hotter than a Mediterranean summer (and only while stocks last!)
Celebrity author storytelling sessions
Live illustration workshops
Character meet-and-greets
Star-studded interactive workshops
Celebrity author storytelling sessions
Live illustration workshops
Character meet-and-greets
Star-studded interactive workshops
Celebrity author storytelling sessions
Live illustration workshops
Character meet-and-greets
Star-studded interactive workshops
As the sun sets over the campsite, we’re turning up the energy with multiple DJ channels, glowing headphones, and a dance floor ready for your best (or wildest) moves.
Expect an electrifying mix of party anthems, indie bangers, guilty pleasure singalongs and a specially curated Good Energy playlist courtesy of Neilson Beach Clubs — because what happens at The Big Early stays at The Big Early!
Are you ready to dance under the stars?
Intimate interviews with best-loved celebrities
Exclusive behind-the-scenes surprises
Unscripted moments
Star-studded panel discussions and special announcements
Intimate interviews with best-loved celebrities
Exclusive behind-the-scenes surprises
Unscripted moments
Star-studded panel discussions and special announcements
Intimate interviews with best-loved celebrities
Exclusive behind-the-scenes surprises
Unscripted moments
Star-studded panel discussions and special announcements
After the mission of pitching your tent (we all know it’s basically a workout!), it’s time to reward yourself with a well-earned drink at The BarFest Arms, hosted by Timothy Taylor’s.
Get competitive with a CarFest-themed pub quiz, where there are prizes to be won, then let loose with a gig at The Wigwam Stage. Expect plenty of laughs, some questionable singing, and a brilliant night to kick off your festival weekend.
Open from 6pm – 10pm on Thursday. See you there!
Celebrity author storytelling sessions
Live illustration workshops
Character meet-and-greets
Star-studded interactive workshops
Celebrity author storytelling sessions
Live illustration workshops
Character meet-and-greets
Star-studded interactive workshops
Celebrity author storytelling sessions
Live illustration workshops
Character meet-and-greets
Star-studded interactive workshops
Official Cider Partner
The Car Club Collective Partner
Official Soft Drinks Partner
Official Wine Partner
Official Cocktail Partner
Big Early & Festival Dash Partner
The Inspiration Hub Partner
Official Lager Partner
Official Sparkling Wine Partner of the Premium Lounge
Official Hotel Partner
Official Media Partner
