2023/08/24
Nissan is helping to make CarFest 2023 more inclusive and accessible than ever
The brand has sponsored this year’s Festival Dash, and is providing accessible viewing in the music arena and supporting the festival’s Sensory Pod
The brand is also promoting the Nissan Possibilities Project, its long-term sustainability initiative that supports disabled and LGBTQ+ communities
Nissan is bringing its long-term sustainability initiative The Possibilities Project to CarFest this weekend to help create CarFest’s most inclusive festival yet.
cinch presents CarFest is the largest family fundraising festival in the UK, bringing people together to admire cars, enjoy performances from some of the UK’s best artists, enjoy incredible food and meet a host of the UK’s TV, theatre, music and sports legends.
As well as exhibiting at the festival with a family fun stand and its range of electrified crossovers, Nissan will be sponsoring this year’s Festival Dash, a 2.5km fun run where all are welcome to join in while raising money for CarFest’s charity partners.
Nissan ambassador and Paralympian Richard Whitehead MBE will be taking part in the inclusive run, helping host Chris Evans kickstart the event and encouraging visitors with all physical mobility impairments to join in – whether running, walking, wheeling or being pushed, all are welcome!
Richard is a double amputee and a world record holder for the Half and Full marathon for a double leg amputee and a Double Paralympic Gold medallist (2012, 2016). He also won silver in the T61 200m at the Tokyo Paralympics. Richard has had a long-standing relationship with Nissan stretching back to 2013, and since 2021 Richard has been a Nissan Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ambassador. His work with Nissan has included the provision of running prosthetics and support to young amputees with his charity, the Richard Whitehead Foundation.
To further enhance the inclusive opportunities at the event and allow all guests to participate fully, Nissan will be presenting accessible viewing platforms in CarFest’s music arena, aimed at offering those with disabilities or mobility concerns a place to view the live music from one of three great vantage points.
Nissan will also be supporting the Sensory Pod – an immersive therapy pod at the festival – to offer an engaging and safe space for those with autism or sensory needs. The Sensory Pod can be found in the “SpaFest” section of the festival.
Nissan will be showcasing the work of The Possibilities Project at CarFest while encouraging people with any impairment to join the Festival Dash. Guests can head to the Festival Dash registration point to learn more about the work of The Possibilities Project and leave messages of support for runners on the Nissan LEAF message car.
Next month, Nissan will be heading to the AJ Bell Great North Run along with its DEI ambassadors Paralympian Richard Whitehead MBE and DJ Adele Roberts, to help raise awareness of disability inclusion and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with its Cheer Zone.
About the Nissan Possibilities ProjectThe Nissan Possibilities Project is Nissan’s long-term CSR initiative, built on the core belief of making excitement possible for all. The project uses Nissan’s technologies, resources and expertise to create more opportunities for people from underrepresented communities, with a specific focus on supporting disability and LGBTQ+ initiatives.
Working with the Richard Whitehead Foundation and Sported UK, Nissan is helping people with disabilities become more mobile and participate in sporting activities by providing running prosthetics (and other mobility equipment) and ongoing support to young people with limb loss, amputation or limb difference.
Through the project, Nissan also sponsors both the London Marathon and The Great Run Series. Nissan supports the events with its electrified vehicles and creates more inclusive opportunities for runners and supporters with Cheer Zones celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, and race places donated to charity partners to enable great participation from under-represented groups.
About CarFest CarFest is the brainchild of presenter Chris Evans. Taking place at Laverstoke Park Farm, the festival features an incredible combination of cars, food, live music and family entertainment. Launched in 2012, the weekend-long festival was created to raise funds for UK children’s charities. Since its inception, the festival has raised over £25 million for its charity partners.
Press Contact
Suziey WalkerBrand, Media and Internal Engagement Manager, NMGBTel: (+44) 07814 48166E: susanna.walker@nissan.co.uk