A MAJOR summer festival held in the grounds of a north Hampshire farm begins today, as thousands of people are due to head to the site. 

CarFest, held at Laverstoke Park Farm, starts at 12noon today when a variety of attractions will entertain the crowds including arena displays, performances in a big top tent, fast car parades, children's activities and musical entertainment.

One of the highlights of Friday is the filming of The One Show live from the festival.

Those attending can watch rehearsals on stage before the BBC One programme is broadcast in front of an audience.

Tonight's entertainment on the main stage includes The Boomtown Rats and Jools Holland.

The fun will continue on Saturday and Sunday, with headline acts including Paloma Faith and Take That.

The event, hosted by BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans, raises funds for BBC Children in Need.

Bas Bungish, event director from Brand Events, said: "CarFest is now entering its fourth season and every year the track show just gets better and better. Thanks to the huge generosity of some famous car collectors and the enthusiasm of car loving public, we continue to bring together a truly wonderful collection of eye-catching machines ranging from the bizarrely whacky to priceless icons."