The event no longer runs overnight, with organisers opting to hold a same-day closing ceremony this year.

Previously, the closing ceremony was held the next morning after participants camped out at Glendale's Hunter Sports Centre.

Event organiser Elissa Mead said the Relay For Life committee believed "condensing the best bits of Relay" into a one-day event would attract more participants.

"People won't have to commit their whole weekend to the event," she said.

There will still be a designated area for marquees and picnic blankets for those who wish to set up for the day, but there will be more space for kids' activities, such as soccer clinics and craft workshops, and live entertainment.

Ms Mead said another advantage of the event's new format was a larger crowd for the closing ceremony.

The event attracts about 2000 people each year with only about 200 staying for the closing ceremony the next day.

"[This year] we're hoping to still have the bulk of a couple of thousand people there to celebrate their achievements with a bang," Ms Mead said.

"It'll make the afternoon and night full of energy."

■ The 2015 Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Relay For Life will be held on Saturday, November 7, at Hunter Sports Centre. Early bird registrations are now open. Go to relayforlife.org.au.