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Charlestown was anything but quiet on Saturday as the Cornwall Banger Rally Challenge roared into its 11th year, writes Janice Rose.
With brightly painted cars, wild costumes and a contagious buzz in the air, the event has become a staple of fun, fundraising and a bit of madness.
I found myself swept up in the excitement, adopting my alter ego DJ Dazzle, resplendent in a sequined gown for the occasion. I was surrounded by cars decked in all sorts of eccentric designs – everything from cartoon themes to retro getups.
Down by the quay, Sergeant Sausage (Gareth Fitzpatrick, pictured below) and Officer Hooker (Sarah Hart) – two rally legends – shared their memories of rallies gone by.
“Imagine 120 people in fancy dress, all driving across Europe,” Sausage said with a laugh. “Anything can happen.”
And it seems like anything does happen, with challenges like carpool karaoke and even driving on the famous Spa-Francorchamps track in Belgium.
Though the rally may seem chaotic, at its heart, it’s all about community.
“Everyone’s welcomed like family,” Officer Hooker told CHAOS Radio. That sense of togetherness is one of the reasons participants keep coming back year after year but the real purpose of the rally is charity.”
Last year they raised a whopping £53,000 and this year they’re aiming to top that. It’s clear the rally isn’t just about the cars – it’s about making a real difference.
Not long after, I bumped into Frank who – inside his stormtrooper costume – was all smiles. Frank and his teammate Paul are two-time rally winners and long-time fundraisers for the Devon Air Ambulance.
“They saved my friend’s life,” Frank shared, recalling a terrifying accident on a farm. It’s stories like these that remind you why the rally matters.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Banger Rally without a few outrageous tales and Kat, dressed as Queenie from Blackadder, had a gem to share.
“A couple of years ago, we were on our way to the ferry in the pouring rain,” she began. “I was dressed as Penelope Pitstop and we stopped at a pub for some food.
“I walked in, soaking wet and asked the barman if they’d seen Batman anywhere, since Gareth, dressed as Batman, was in another car. Just as I said it, the door flew open and there he was, cape blowing in the wind, standing in the doorway.
“The whole pub just stopped and stared.”
The memory of the dramatic entrance still made her laugh. “We looked like we’d stepped straight out of a comic book and the locals couldn’t believe what they were seeing.”
Whether it’s the crazy costumes, offbeat challenges or incredible fundraising efforts, the Cornwall Banger Rally Challenge is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s more than just a road trip – it’s an adventure with a purpose, and this year’s event is already shaping up to be the best yet.
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