10 September 2025

Festival fun and events

This summer, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust fundraising crew took to some of the UK’s biggest festivals and local events, sharing our story and raising support so more young people living through and beyond cancer can believe in brighter futures. From Dorset to Largs, we met so many incredible people and had an amazing time spreading the magic.

Read on for highlights from Camp Bestival, CarFest and Largs Regatta Festival…

Person giving a double thumbs-up next to a large orange "The LIBRARY" sign shaped like an open book at an outdoor festival with tents in the background.Sharing our story at Camp Bestival

In July, around 30,000 festival-goers flocked to Dorset for Camp Bestival, the family-friendly music festival founded by our ambassador DJ Rob da Bank. Held at the iconic Lulworth Castle, the four-day event gave us a brilliant platform to reach new audiences.

On the Library Stage, Skipper Dan shared how sailing turned his own life around and how he now supports young people to believe in brighter futures - an inspiring moment for families in the crowd. With press passes in hand, the team also connected with celebrities, influencers, and festival families, helping spread the word even further.

A special highlight was welcoming Poppy’s family, who came to say hello after she joined her very first sailing adventure with us this summer.

Two individuals in white shirts with blue logos standing in front of a branded CAR-FEST backdrop featuring sponsors like bp pulse, Prestige Flowers, and Teenage Cancer Trust.Fun and games at CarFest

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the team headed to CarFest, the UK’s largest family fundraising festival. Dame Ellen was joined on stage by Halle - our incredible festival ambassador, who spoke movingly about the impact of her sailing and outdoor adventure this summer.

Meanwhile, our stand became a hub of fun for festival-goers, with Asmodee favourites Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza and Dobble proving popular with children and parents alike. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with thousands of people while celebrating everything CarFest is known for - music, families, and giving back.

Two individuals in white shirts and shorts posing in front of a sponsor-branded backdrop at Car-Fest, featuring logos from bp pulse, Prestige Flowers, Teenage Cancer Trust, and other UK children's charity supporters.Largs Regatta Festival - colour on the Clyde

Last but not least to wrap up the summer in Scotland, we were proud to be charity partners for the Largs Regatta Festival. One of the weekend’s highlights was a special group sail, where boats headed out together in a colourful parade along the Clyde. Crews decorated their yachts with vibrant themes, and TV presenter Anna Campbell-Jones had the tough job of picking the best dressed.

Even when the rain threatened, the creativity, colour, and community spirit shone through. Huge thanks to Bute Yard and Scott’s for donating prizes, EUROYACHTS for sponsoring entries, and of course our Hawaiian-themed volunteers who kept the festival buzzing with energy all day.

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