Fire festival sparks Rochdale’s Christmas countdown

Posted by on 25 Nov 2025

The countdown to Christmas started at the weekend with thousands of people attending Ignite Fire Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch-On at Rochdale Town Hall.                                           

More than 10,000 people enjoyed the event over three evenings, which included the fire festival, leading up to the Christmas switch-on at the town hall on Sunday. 

Ignite, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK, transformed the square and gardens around the town hall into a trail of fire, lights and entertainment. A fire garden full of blazing sculptures and animatronic installations created by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank featured ‘Bubbles of Love’, a new kinetic sculpture by Felix Rowberry and Paka’s Fire Dragon, amongst many other eye-catching displays.

It opened on Friday evening in dramatic style with a 100 strong torchlit procession to launch newly restored pathways and parkland on Broadfield Slopes by the town hall. Alongside flickering torches and drummers it featured the unveiling of a fire drawn image of a Pack Horse that gave its name to Packer Spout, the historic spring located on the slopes. The Casey Group, the contractor responsible for the restoration of the slopes displayed some of their modern equipment and talked to visitors about career opportunities in the construction industry. 

Rochdale’s new ice rink opened for the first time and a Christmas market was held during the weekend. 

There were live performances, featuring some of the UK’s top talent, including special effects company BPM SFX’s fire shows in front of the town hall.  Travelling Light Circus and Rochdale’s Skylight Circus returned with ‘Fireflies,’ a multi-sensory show featuring jugglers, fire torch spinning and more as part of the Culture Co-op programme with residents trained especially for the festival. Back again were ‘Drum Machine’ - the popular drumming collective with their techno infused beats.

On Sunday evening, Middleton Arena’s ‘Aladdin’ Christmas pantomime star Silly Billy (Chris Johnson) introduced proceedings on the balcony alongside the Princess (Ruby Millard). They led festive sing-alongs before the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Janet Emsley, greeted the audience and introduced Father Christmas. Paul Byrne, chief officer at sponsor Casey, and Rachel Rogerson from BRSK full fibre broadband were also introduced to the crowds. Other guests included Hussain Malik, Rochdale’s member of the UK Youth Parliament, and deputy Amelia Stewart alongside the borough’s two children’s champions - Tea Massey and Amelia Swain who wished everyone a happy Christmas before flicking the switch and turning on the lights.

The Mayor said: “This is such a magical time of year and it has been wonderful to see so much happening over the past three evenings and see so many people coming out on Sunday despite the poor weather, was fantastic.  The consort and I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and hope to see everyone back in Rochdale town centre over the coming weeks.” 

Many visitors took to social media to praise the event with comments including, “impressive display and switch-on”, “we absolutely loved it”, “amazing”, “great for families”, “very impressed, I’m so proud of my hometown”, “I thought it was magical”, “brilliant, and well organised” and “the kids absolutely loved it.”

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said: “We’ve had three fabulous evenings, with a great atmosphere.  I would like to thank all the performers, partners, staff, crews, volunteers and our sponsors The Trade Centre UK, The Casey Group and BRSK for helping make it all possible, as well as everyone who came along to support the festival.” 

Ignite was 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 was The Trade Centre UK with support from The Casey Group – the contractor responsible for the restoration of the Broadfield Slopes and BRSK – the full fibre broadband provider.

Ignite Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-On was 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. Find out more at www.rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture    

You can find out more about other festive events and other useful information for the season at rochdale.gov.uk/christmas 

The council also financially supported popular switch-on events in Littleborough, Heywood and Middleton.