Victor the Viking led Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights players into the grounds to kick off the event ahead of their trial match at Seiffert Oval tonight. And Victor was joined by the bright blue-clad Smurfs team, the flipper-wearing ‘Life’s a beach’ team, as well as Star Wars characters and many more weird and wonderful outfits.

With clear, sunny skies in Queanbeyan and not a cloud in sight, this year’s Relay for Life is enjoying the best weather it’s had in the last three years. Organisers are hoping that will help draw the community down to the Showgrounds this afternoon and tomorrow to help raise funds and awareness for cancer research.

The event had raised just under $24,000 up to this morning, aiming for a target of $110,000 by the time the weekend’s out.

Committee member Danielle Riley said there were around 240 locals registered prior to the event, with hopefully another 200 or so joining in over the course of the weekend.

“We picked up an extra hundred or so when the event started last year, and that was in the rain. So hopefully with the fine weather today we’ll get a few more.”

Still to come at the Relay today is the Candlelight Ceremony of Hope at 7.30pm as well as music, competitions, bands and many more activities to be held throughout the day and night. There’s a free breakfast tomorrow from 7am, and then the closing ceremony at 9.30am. New registrations and supporters are welcome all weekend.