The North Field of the National Sports Centre will be lit up in a poignant tribute to those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

The Luminaria Ceremony is held annually during the Relay for Life of Bermuda event where hundreds of luminaria bags – personalised paper lanterns – are lit up around the track.

The ceremony aims to give those who have lost loved ones to cancer time to grieve and is also for those with cancer, or loved ones with cancer, to reflect on their own experiences and find hope for the future.

A spokeswoman for Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, which hosts Relay for Life, said: “After the excitement that is Relay For Life kicks off and darkness sets in on the field, everyone in attendance will share an emotional moment when each luminaria is lit around the track in remembrance of a life touched by cancer.

“Team activities and fundraisers pause, children stop playing as the walking track is lit up with hundreds of luminaria bags lovingly decorated with pictures, drawings, messages and names.

“Together survivors, participants and attendees walk the track in silence and take in the personal and powerful messages displayed on each bag.

“No matter where you are in the world, you can share your support of a survivor, honour someone no longer with us, or let the community know your thoughts on cancer by purchasing a luminaria bag to be displayed on the field.”

This year’s Luminaria Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 13 at 9pm on the North Field.

Bags can be purchased online at www.bermudarelay.com, at the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre at 46 Point Finger Road, Devonshire, or from participating teams for a minimum donation of $10.

Those purchasing the bags may take them home to decorate with a personal message or may choose to have a Relay for Life volunteer do so for them.

Bags must be returned to the centre no later than Wednesday, May 11 or be taken directly to North Field by Friday, May 13 between 10am and 8am.