WARWICK will be covered with a sea of purple next week to spread the word about the Southern Downs Relay for Life.

Paint the Town Purple week aims to encourage local businesses to get into the relay for life spirit and raise cancer awareness.

Cancer Council Queensland Relay for Life co-ordinator Shona Gibson said the week would be the official launch for the fundraising event.

"The Southern Downs Relay for Life is a significant event in the community," Ms Gibson said.

"Each year locals rally together in a show of strength for locals touched by cancer.

"Showing support is as simple as dressing in purple, decorating your workplace, or theming your displays purple and it costs nothing to get involved.

"We are thrilled to have so many businesses already on board and we hope many more will follow suit."

Volunteers and representatives of Relay For life will be at Rose City Shopping World all of next week.

The official launch for the 2015 campaign will take place on Wednesday, August 5 at 2pm, outside Bi-Lo at Rose City.

Businesses who wish to register to participate in Paint the Town Purple week can call CCQ's fundraising hotline on 1300 656 585.

All funds raised from the Relay for Life will be used to support Cancer Council Queensland's work in cancer research, prevention, programs and patient-support services.

The Relay for Life will be held on September 12 and 13 at Redbacks AFC oval in Warwick.

To register visit http://www.relayforlife.org.au