Ignite Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-on

About the festival

• Times and dates: 
• 5pm–8pm, Friday, 20 November 2026
• 5pm–8pm, Saturday, 21 November 2026
• 5pm–8pm, Sunday, 22 November 2026

• 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: Find parking 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 sponsored by The Trade Centre UK will be transforming the square and gardens around Rochdale Town Hall, including new pathways and parkland on Broadfield Slopes. with more dazzling displays and activities for all the family.

New additions for 2026

Further details on the line-up for 2026 The Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Lights Switch-on has now been extended to include:

Christmas lights switch-on: 5.30pm, Sunday, 22 November 2026

Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale will officially switch-on the lights at around 5.30pm on Sunday, 22 November 2026 in front of Rochdale Town Hall after the traditional countdown. Further details will be announced in early November.

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

Displays and performances

This displays and performances information is from the 2025 event. We'll update this page in October when we have details of the 2026 festival.

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

This Christmas market information is from the 2025 event. We'll update this page in October when we have details of the 2026 festival.

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

This food and drink information is from the 2025 event. We'll update this page in October when we have details of the 2026 festival.

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.