THIS year’s Banger Rally Challenge consists of a week-long trip from Charlestown Harbour to Split in Croatia whilst raising money for charity.

Split or Bust, which begins on Saturday, September 21, will see participants travel through some of Europe’s most scenic routes while being involved in a number of challenges along the way to spice up the seven day journey. 

The organisers do not reveal the route of the trip before-hand, only the start and finish destinations, providing a feeling of stepping into the unknown for the teams taking on the challenge.

Those taking part are invited to raise money for local charities Cornwall Hospice Care, Marie Curie, Children’s Hospice South West and the Merlin MS Centre, but can also pick their own charities if they wish.

The vehicles that fit the banger criteria, most of which will be creatively-decorated by their owners, must cost less than £1,000 and be more than 15 years old. Participants can also enter use any vehicle of their own choice and still raise money for their chosen charity, but will not be eligible for prize money awarded at the end of the trip.

Members of the public are invited to watch the convey start their journey at Charlestown Harbour on the morning of September 21. From 9am to 12.30pm, the fun family morning will see live music, charity stands, a photo booth and themed banger rally cars all ready to set off on their week-long fundraising adventure across Europe.

The bangers ready to set off from Charlestown at last year’s rally 2
Last year’s bangers setting off en route to Saint Tropez. Picture: Ben Howe

This is the 11th outing for the Banger Rally Challenge, the first of which took the bangers on a trip to Monte Carlo back in 2011. Other glorious destinations they have reached in previous years include the historic cities of Rome and Barcelona among many others.

The rally was set up by Tom Marshall and Gary Warren of the St Austell Round Table, Ever since the first event, the challenge has grown significantly in popularity which has seen it gain a big following with many individuals taking part year after year. Last year’s event saw more than 50 cars travel thorough eight countries en route to Saint Tropez in the south of France.

With many competitions to be contested along the way, the end of the trip will see prizes handed out to the overall winning team. The victorious group will win a £500 which will be donated to the charity of their choice, second place will receive £300 and third place £100. The best themed car will also receive £300.

Winners also receive the challenge’s coveted piston trophies, while awards will be also be handed out to each of the seven stage winners. Over the course of the events tenure, they have collectively raised more than £1.2-million for local charities.