This year’s theme is ‘Colours of Cancer’ and teams are encouraged to dress in different colours to represent the many types of cancer.

Cessnock Relay For Life chair Ben Woolley said the relay is an event that brings the entire community together as one.

“I encourage everyone in the Cessnock community to come over to Relay for Life, even if it is to only have a look and see what happens,” Mr. Woolley said.

“There are activities for all ages and loads of local entertainment for you come and watch.”

Over the past six years Cessnock Relay for Life has raised more than $650,000 for Cancer Council NSW and the committee is hoping to add another $150,000 to the tally this year.

“I would like to thank the Cessnock community for their ongoing support. Because of your community engagement the Cancer Council is getting one step closer to finding a cure for cancer and to fulfil its mission which is to defeat cancer and live in a cancer-free world,” Mr. Woolley said.

Due to the possibility of Cessnock hosting an Asian Cup pre-competition camp later this year, the relay will be condensed to the training field of Baddeley Park.

The ground will be open from 10am to 10pm Friday for teams wishing to set up their tents. Teams are advised to arrive early if they wish to claim a spot.

The event will kick off at 1pm Saturday with a street parade from Railway Street, followed by the official opening ceremony and survivors’ and carers’ lap at 2pm.

The traditional candlelight ceremony of remembrance will be held at 8pm.

Entertainment and activities will run throughout the event, which closes at 7am Sunday (see the full program here).

Despite the ground layout changes to this year’s relay, Cessnock Wine Country Rotary Club will be providing full food services in the canteen over the 24-hour period as well as the full barbecue van meals at a location near the canteen. The Sunday morning breakfasts will be served from the canteen.

Participants are encouraged to have their photo taken at the Cancer Council tent as part of the Saving Life 2015: Change Starts Here campaign.

Online registrations close today but participants can sign up at the venue on Saturday.

Go to www.relayforlife.org.au and follow the links to ‘Cessnock 2014’ for more information.