Since 2013 the Heavy Metal Truants have been breaking a sweat to raise funds for childrens’ charities in the name of heavy metal. Open to all, HMT has seen metal fans, bands, and industry types banding together to help raise over £800,000 both through charitable activities throughout the year like the Monster Rock Auction and our Heavy Metal Curries, but primarily through our traditional, now legendary annual 175-mile cycle from London to the hallowed ground of Castle Donington and Download festival in June.

Covid-19 couldn’t stop us: last year’s heartbreaking cancellation of Download inspired the introduction of our first-ever virtual event, which also added walkers and runners into the mix from all over the world, as well as some epic stretch targets for those on two wheels. The spirit caught on, and it became our biggest event to date. This year, we’ll be adding even more activities, and we hope to to hit the Million Pound mark, (and to keep going!)

That’s because our chosen charities, who work so hard to support children and young people need our support now more than ever, so we call on all metalheads from around the world to join us in the name of heavy metal. Every year has had a theme or a nickname, and this year we went with Nine Lives because like our feline friends, HMT has managed to survive some tricky spots and keep going. And cats rule.

Between May 24th and June 4th 2021 we invited you to enter the annals of Heavy Metal Truants fame with challenges from cycling, walking, running, and more. All proceeds will go to Teenage Cancer Trust, Childline, Nordoff Robbins and Save the Children who’ve been hit hard by these troubled times and have continued to do their work through it all.