Car Fest North organisers say a decision to move the Cheshire event from Oulton Park to Bolesworth Castle has ‘absolutely nothing’ to do with the death of a pilot killed during an airshow at this year’s festival.

The annual motoring extravaganza, organised by Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans, has been held at the Little Budworth race track for the past two years but was the scene of tragedy when 39-year-old Kevin Whyman, a married father-of-one, was killed when his plane crashed during a Gnat Display Team show on August 1.

Pilot Kevin Whyman was killed during the CarFest North event at Oulton Park
Pilot Kevin Whyman was killed during the CarFest North event at Oulton Park

Evans could not hide his devastation at news of the former King’s School pupil’s death - paying a heartfelt tribute to him on his radio show.

Today (Thursday, October 15) it has been revealed that next year’s festival, which also has a southern counterpart held in Hampshire, will take place at Bolesworth Castle in Tattenhall in order to ‘keep the festival fresh’.

Related : Car Fest raises more than £100,000 for Children in Need

A spokesperson for Car Fest told Contract Hireandleasing.com that the move was not connected with the crash, but organisers simply felt Bolesworth was ‘more in keeping’ with the original event which was held at Cholmondeley Castle in 2012.

CarFest accident: Chris Evans leads a minute's silence in memory of pilot Kevin Whyman

Related: Bryan Adams and The Corrs confirmed for Car Fest 2016

Just 10 miles from Oulton Park, Bolesworth is known for the lavish international equestrian show it puts on each year. It will be the third location for CarFest North, and means giving up the use of Oulton Park’s race circuit.

Related: Car Fest 2016 sees Bryan Adams and The Corrs confirmed

However, the track is set to be replaced by a hill climb similar to the one used at Car Fest South.

Is Bolesworth Castle a good venue for Car Fest North? Let us know what you think in the comments box below.