Ignite Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-on

About the festival

This event has now finished for 2025. We'll update this page when we have details of the next festival.

• Times and dates: 
  • 5pm–8pm, Friday 21 November 2025
  • 5pm–8pm, Saturday 22 November 2025
  • 5pm–8pm, Sunday 23 November 2025
• Who is this event suitable for? For all ages.
• Location: Rochdale Memorial Gardens, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
• Directions: How to get to Rochdale Town Hall
• Parking: Rochdale Town Hall car park is fully booked for all 3 nights of the festival. Other parking is available in Rochdale town centre. View council car parks
• Do I need to book? No, you can just turn up.
• Contact: admin@rochdalecreates.co.uk
• Food and drink: hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks will be available to buy.

Ignite Fire Festival will be transforming the square and gardens opposite Rochdale Town Hall, with more dazzling displays and activities for all the family.

New additions for 2025

The Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Lights Switch-on has now been extended to include:

• Illuminated trails along the beautifully restored pathways and parkland on Broadfield Slopes.
• More dazzling displays and activities for all the family.
• An ice rink.
• Christmas market on Saturday, 22 November 2025 and Sunday, 23 November 2025.

Christmas lights switch-on: 5.30pm, Sunday, 23 November 2025

Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Janet Emsley will officially switch-on the lights at around 5.30pm on Sunday, 23 November 2025 in front of Rochdale Town Hall after the traditional countdown.

The Ignite Fire Festival will continue in the gardens opposite Rochdale Town Hall until 8pm.

Ice rink

Available from Friday, 21 November 2025-Sunday, 4 January 2026 (closed Christmas Day, Thursday, 25 December 2025)

An exciting addition to this year’s festival is Santa's Village Ice Rink, with the grand opening taking place on the first night of the festival on Friday, 21 November 2025.

Charges apply and booking is recommended.

Ice rink opening times, prices and tickets

Displays and performances

Each evening 5pm to 8pm, Friday, 21 November 2025 to Sunday, 23 November 2025.

Step into a world of fiery displays, blazing sculptures and glowing installations created by the award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.

Highlights include:

• World premiere of Bubbles of Love - a kinetic sculpture by Felix Rowberry.
• Paka’s Fire Dragon - a mesmerising animatronic display.
• Fire Garden Wonders - displays of flaming lotus flowers, strange birds that rotate or burst into life, hissing sculptures and turning cogs.
• A magical landscape of sound, light and fire - the square and gardens around Rochdale Town Hall will be transformed.
• Torchlight procession - join a torchlight procession on Friday, 21 November 2025 to celebrate the launch of the new Broadfield Slopes. The Broadfield Slopes Project

Christmas market

3pm to 8pm, Saturday, 22 November 2025 to Sunday, 23 November 2025.

You can browse a variety of stalls offering seasonal gifts, crafts, and delicious treats.

Traders include:

• Bubble Land – bubble waffles and bubble tea
• Charms by Emma – phone charms
• Fine Dine – burgers
• Handmade by Christine – resin and crystals
• Jollof N Pies – pies
• Layer Forge – 3D figures
• Matrix Creations – homeware and gifts
• MMP Bakery – fresh bread
• Pookie Candles – handmade candles
• Pumpkin Bakery – cakes and cookies
• Shays Apothecary – artisan teas
• Stardust Bakery – brownies
• Sweet Dreams – pic ‘n’ mix
• Thai Tamarind – Thai food
• Togo 3D – 3D printing
• Tosha Dibba – sauces and spices
• Totally Baked – hot desserts

Food and drink offers

There are lots of family friendly restaurants and bars a short walk from Rochdale Town Hall Square. 

The Baum - up to 2 half-price kids’ meals with every adult meal purchased.

• How to claim: show your Santa’s Village Ice Rink ticket to a member of staff at The Baum within 7 days of the date on your ticket.
• Opening times: check The Baum's opening times
• Directions: around a 6-minute walk from Rochdale Town Hall Square. Get directions to The Baum on Google Maps

The Baum is a traditional pub that serves creative British food, real ales, craft beers, ciders, wines and spirits.

The Flying Horse - get a hot drink and a mince pie for £4.

• How to claim: show your Santa’s Village Ice Rink ticket to a member of staff at The Flying Horse.
• Opening times: check The Flying Horse's opening times
• Directions: located in Rochdale Town Hall Square. Get directions to The Flying Horse on Google Maps

The Flying Horse is a large pub that serves traditional food, daily specials and a large range of real ales. 

Moody Blue - 10 per cent off your food bill.

• How to claim: show your Santa’s Village Ice Rink ticket to a member of staff at Moody Blue.
• Opening times: check Moody Blue's opening times
• Directions: around a 2-minute walk from Rochdale Town Hall Square. Get directions to Moody Blue on Google Maps

Moody Blue is a pub suitable for groups and families that serves traditional food and craft ales.

Phat Chows – winter warmer – free soup for ice skaters with every combo meal you buy.

• How to claim: show your ice rink ticket. Offer applies to eat in or take-away orders.
• Opening times: check Phat Chow's opening times
• Directions: around a 1-minute walk from Rochdale Town Hall Square. Get directions to Phat Chows on Google Maps

Phat Chows is a fast-casual Chinese concept restaurant.

Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26

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.

• Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26