The spectacular Ignite Fire Festival will be returning to Rochdale this November for 3 evenings of magical family entertainment, with organisers promising it will be bigger and better than ever.
Ignite Fire Festival, which was staged for the first time in 2023, will be transforming the square and gardens around Rochdale Town Hall, including new pathways and parkland on Broadfield Slopes.
‘exciting new elements and attractions’
The event will open from Friday, 20 to Sunday, 22 November 2026, with 3 free night-time spectacular shows, delivering magical and immersive trails of fire, lights and sound. Last year over 10,000 people attended and organisers Rochdale Development Agency are promising this year’s event will be the best yet.
A fire breathing dragon was amongst last year's trails. New displays will be open to walk through each evening this November.
Fiery displays, blazing sculptures and an incredible illuminated installation created by 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.
Further details will be announced in October, but already confirmed are ‘Fireflies,’ 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.
Performers from Travelling Light Circus will be returning for 2026. The event opens from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November with 3 free night-time spectacular shows.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said:
“Ignite Fire Festival has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester and in just three years has grown to become one of the most popular events in the borough. This year, there will be really exciting new elements and attractions that will surprise, educate and entertain the whole family. Get the dates in your diary and look forward to the ultimate winter experience, and the perfect build up to our Christmas lights switch-on.”
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Ignite is funded by Rochdale Borough Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Flexible Fund and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Walk the Plank and Culture Co-op.