Whanganui Cancer Society's Relay for Life to be a fun, family-friendly event

Teams on the Cooks Gardens track during the 2018 Relay for Life.

With 40 teams signed up, this weekend's Relay For Life event in Whanganui is set to be a cracker.

The 12-hour event starts at 10am on Saturday, March 23, at Cooks Gardens and is a fundraiser for the Whanganui Cancer Society. Teams have at least one of their members walking around the track throughout the event.

Cancer Society manager Jane Beamsley said there were a few more teams than participated in last year's event.

"We're looking forward to hosting our VIP survivors who will be kicking things off with the opening lap and we'll then welcome them to a morning tea being provided by Rapid Relief here in Whanganui," Beamsley said.

"It will be a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. We'll have bands playing throughout the day.

"They are local bands and bands from Ōhakune who are all donating their time which is absolutely amazing."

The bands are Those Guys, Ukelele Trio, In Business, Gatshack Duo, Wildcard, Harmony Showdown, Whiskey Mama and Hot Potato.

"We'll also have the Happy Wanderers, which are large cartoon mascots, roaming around the track and interacting with the children," Beamsley said.

"There will be free face painting, a bouncy castle and balloon animals for the children."

Prizes will be awarded for the most money raised, most money raised per capita, healthiest team, best tent site and best dressed team.

People can buy a candle bag for $5 and decorate it at the event. The bags will be placed around the track for the Candlelight Ceremony at 9.30pm when the lights are turned off and the track is lit by tealights in the candle bags. The ceremony, which is to remember those who have died of cancer, will include a bagpiper, tribute song, karakia and waiata.

"Everyone is welcome to come to the ceremony and to the rest of the event - you don't have to be part of a team," Beamsley said.

Entry for those not participating in a team is $5 for adults and a gold coin for 13 years and under.

With the weather forecast for sun on Saturday, Beamsley said sunscreen would be available and people should bring sunhats. Hats would also be available for purchase on the day.