The countdown to Christmas begins in Rochdale next month with the return of the spectacular Ignite Fire Festival and magical family entertainment leading up to the festive lights switch-on.
Ignite Fire Festival, which was staged for the first time in 2023, will again be transforming 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.
The event, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK, opens from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 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 this year’s will be the biggest yet, say organisers Rochdale Borough Council.
Fiery displays, blazing sculptures and illuminated installations created by artists and pyro technicians from multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank will be open to walk through each evening, with the Christmas lights switch-on taking place on the Sunday.
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.
Liz Pugh, creative producer at Walk The Plank, said they are delighted to be returning to Rochdale with more fiery magic: She said: “I’m particularly excited this year about the torchlight procession which will highlight new paths and planting around the Broadfield Slopes when they open the festival on the Friday.”
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.
Rochdale’s Ice Rink by Santa’s Village, opens for the first time at the festival, located on Rochdale Town Hall Square, promising a magical experience for all ages and skill levels, running until 4 January, although advance booking is advised.
There will also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Janet Emsley officially switch-on the lights at 5.30pm on Sunday 23 November in front of the town hall after the traditional countdown, whilst Ignite Fire Festival continues until 8pm.
