Southern Cross weather presenter Peter Murphy helped lift the morale of weary drivers who had travelled through the Great Lakes to  Launceston’s Quadrant Mall last night.

Variety Tasmania state manager Luke Doyle said TasBash was a vital event for the children’s charity.

He said last night’s event, which had live music, jumping castles, a Mexican-themed dinner and face painting, was thanks to the combined effort of Foundation 33, St Lukes Health, local businesses and CityProm.

‘‘It’s [also] a bit of a display of TasBash cars,’’ Mr Doyle said.

Drivers will next head towards the East Coast, staying over south of Bicheno and driving on to Orford.

Participants will finish at Kingston Beach next Saturday.

‘‘TasBash is essentially a celebration of a year’s hard work,’’ Mr Doyle said.

‘‘It’s $5000 to get in and most cars raise in excess of that.’’