During the opening ceremony, Tim Alison of the Cancer Society said finding a cure for cancer is a relentless battle, but it is a fight people are determined to carry on.
"The work you're doing here tonight is very important. Because of you, Halifax…is the fastest growing research community in Atlantic Canada," he said.
This year's honorary chair was breast cancer survivor Wanda Handspiker.
"Scientists on television announced a cure for cancer is imminent and I hope it is because that will be one glorious day," Handspike told the crowd.
She said it is hard to hear the words "you have cancer", but a person must remember to keep a positive outlook and look to the future.
Entertainment, activities and more carried 24 teams through the night.
Co-chair Jason McCutcheon said there were 1,296 luminaries, a record for Digby.
The top fundraising community team was Johnny Walkers with over $6,000 and the top corporate team was the Sobeys Sensations with over $5,000.
