User:Jamesascott1/balkanrally

The Balkan Rally

The first Balkan Rally took place in 2010 and lasted for a fortnight. It is a ‘party rally’ - defined as a collective drive from one location to another, whilst partying every night en-route. This is a unique concept, the only other similar proposition is the extremely expensive and well known, Gumball Rally.

“The Balkan Rally is the gumball rally for those that can’t afford the gumball rally.” organiser James says. The rally is not a race. There is no prize for finishing first. The team that does will not be recognised for doing so.

Participants attend events each night of the rally, in a variety of locations across Europe. Accomodation for each night and a ferry ticket is also included in the entry price.

Organiser George said “One of our stated aims when setting up the rally was to ensure a diverse range of events for all. This ranges from the obvious night clubbing and pubbing to more specialised Jazz evenings and nights showcasing local music.”

In this vain, The Balkan Rally hosted wilderness evenings in some of the more scenic locations on the rally with an emphasis on taking people away from the tourist trail and showing them the real Balkans.

The 2011 rally leaves from the West Country (31st July) two days after the launch party, Underhill Festival (29th July), and arrives on the shores of Lake Ohrid, Macedonia, two weeks later (12th August).

There are multiple events in The Netherlands, Germany, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania and of course, the finish party in Macedonia.

Entrants sign up using the official website http://www.balkanrally.com.

Entrants are given Balkan Rally wrist-bands at the launch party, allowing them access to all the events and discounted rate accommodation at specially selected hostels and campsites. Each team’s car is covered in Balkan Rally stickers, allowing participates to identify fellow members on the continent. T-shirts, the Balkan Bible guidebook and goody bags are also being given out.