Credit: Rochdale Borough Council
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The countdown to Christmas is on, and one Greater Manchester town is certainly getting into the festive spirit by revealing its seasonal event programme. Starting from next month, Rochdale will not only welcome back the spectacular Ignite Fire Festival and host a festive lights switch-on, but it will also see an ice rink arrive in the town.
Ignite Fire Festival, which was staged for the first time in 2023, will once again transform the square and gardens around Rochdale Town Hall. The event has now been extended to include beautifully restored pathways and parkland on Broadfield Slopes, plus more dazzling displays and activities for all the family, including an ice rink and Christmas market.
Credit: Rochdale Borough Council Ignite Fire Festival returns, bigger than ever
Ignite Fire Festival runs from Friday 21st November to Sunday 23rd November with three, free night-time spectacular shows from 5pm to 8pm, delivering a magical trail of fire and lights. Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, and organisers Rochdale Borough Council have said this year’s will be the biggest yet.
Fiery displays, blazing sculptures and illuminated installations created by artists and pyrotechnicians from multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists, Walk the Plank, will be open to walk through each evening.
Credit: Rochdale Borough Council A magical landscape of light and fire
A free immersive experience for all ages, Ignite will feature the world premiere of Bubbles of Love, a new kinetic sculpture by Felix Rowberry and the mesmerising animatronics of Paka’s Fire Dragon, both part of Walk the Plank’s Fire Garden. Lotus flowers will erupt with flame, and strange birds will rotate slowly or burst into life.
Sounds will be heard as cogs turn and flaming sculptures hiss as the gardens become a magical landscape of light and fire. On the Friday evening, there will be a torchlight procession to launch the new Broadfield Slopes, which will highlight new paths and planting around the Broadfield Slopes.
Mesmerising new displays and performances
Each evening, a fire drawing designed and made by residents will be ignited, alongside flaming hot performances from some of the North’s top talent. Back again for 2025 is Drum Machine – the 20-strong drumming collective, who will be bringing their techno-infused beats to the event.
Every evening, ‘Fireflies’ will be delivered, as part of the Culture Co-op programme with Rochdale’s Skylight Circus Arts and interactive arts group Travelling Light Circus, alongside local residents trained up especially for the festival, performing mesmerising fire spinning feats.
Credit: Rochdale Borough Council A new ice rink to add to the festive fun in Rochdale
This festive season will see an ice rink by Santa’s Village introduced to Rochdale, and will open for the first time at the Ignite Fire Festival. Located on Rochdale Town Hall Square, promising a magical experience for all ages and skill levels, it will run until January 4.
Each skating session lasts up to 45 minutes of frosty fun – and prices start from £9.50 for children and £13.50 for adults. Tickets can be booked here. There will also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
Credit: Rochdale Borough Council Rochdale Christmas lights switch-on
Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Janet Emsley, will officially switch on the lights at 5.30pm on Sunday 23rd November in front of the town hall after the traditional countdown.
Ignite Fire Festival is part of a spectacular line-up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene.