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.
An ice rink opens for the first time at the festival, running until 4 January 2026.
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.
‘the ultimate winter experience’
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.
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.
Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Walk the Plank and Culture Co-op, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by the council.
The festival’s main sponsor is The Trade Centre UK with support also from The Casey Group – the contractor responsible for the restoration of the Broadfield Slopes and BRSK – the full fibre broadband provider, who will have a presence at the event.
Mike Doyle, brand ambassador at The Trade Centre UK, with Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said:
“Our Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Light’s Switch On is a fantastic event and has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester. This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail around our beautifully restored slopes area, the ice rink and the return of a Christmas Market it really will be the perfect build up to our big switch-on and the ultimate winter experience, providing lots of family entertainment across the weekend.”
Mike Doyle, brand ambassador at The Trade Centre UK said they were pleased to be supporting the festival for the second year in a row:
“We know what a fabulous event this is and it’s going to be bigger than ever this year. We’re keen to strengthen our connection with the community and by sponsoring such a well-loved weekend, we’re hoping to bring some festive fire to Rochdale during its special year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. It’s also a way for us to give back to the borough where many of our loyal customers and employees live and I’m looking forward to coming down to help switch on the lights on the Sunday evening.”
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.