Variety NT’s Tania Sellers says the organisers want to get 500 vehicles in convoy in the Australia Day Ute Run to celebrate the event’s 25th anniversary.

The annual convoy raises money for Variety NT, a children’s charity, with the ute run beginning with a lap around the Hidden Valley Raceway before parading through the main roads of the northern suburbs, Palmerston and the rural area, finishing up at the Noonamah Tavern for the official after-party.

Variety NT general manager, Ms Sellers said participants were encouraged to deck out their utes, themselves, and even their dogs to join the festivities.

“Every registration directly supports children and families in the Territory,” Ms Sellers said.

“If you’ve got a roadworthy vehicle, we want you in the convoy, from the racetrack all the way to Noonamah.”

The Darwin Rotary will kick off the day with a barbecue breakfast, and there will be a coffee van on-site, along with merchandise and raffle tickets, and prizes for best themed utes, adults, kids and dogs.

Ms Sellers said there will also be a pie-eating competition and live music by Coffin Fitz while the utes are on display.

Any roadworthy vehicle can participate and the utes can be registered at the Australia Day Ute Run website.