More than 10,000 people visit town hall for spectacular three-day festival and lights switch-on
Rochdale's festive season launched in style as thousands attended the Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Lights Switch-On outside the town hall. Over 10,000 people visited during the three-day celebration, which concluded on Sunday evening with the lights officially turned on.
The square and gardens around Rochdale Town Hall were transformed into a trail of fire, light and performance, courtesy of arts specialists Walk the Plank. Among the displays were blazing sculptures, animatronics and installations, including ‘Bubbles of Love’ by Felix Rowberry and a dramatic fire-breathing dragon by Paka.
The festival opened on Friday evening with a 100-strong torchlit procession to mark the restoration of Broadfield Slopes. The event included the unveiling of a fire image of a Pack Horse, symbolising the nearby Packer Spout spring. Contractor Casey Group, which restored the slopes, also used the event to highlight careers in construction.
Alongside the fire attractions, a new ice rink opened in the town centre and visitors enjoyed a Christmas market and live shows. Performances included fire effects by BPM SFX, a return of the popular Drum Machine collective, and a multi-sensory show ‘Fireflies’ from Travelling Light Circus and Rochdale’s own Skylight Circus, with local residents also taking part.
Sunday’s switch-on was hosted by children’s pantomime stars from Middleton Arena’s ‘Aladdin’, including ‘Silly Billy’ (Chris Johnson) and Princess (Ruby Millard), who led singalongs from the town hall balcony. They were joined by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Janet Emsley, who introduced Father Christmas and other guests.
Paul Byrne from Casey, Rachel Rogerson of BRSK, and representatives from Rochdale’s Youth Parliament and children’s champions joined in leading the countdown before the switch-on.
Mayor Emsley said: “This is such a magical time of year and it has been wonderful to see so much happening over the past three evenings. To see so many people coming out on Sunday despite the poor weather was fantastic.”
Attendees flooded social media with praise for the event. Comments included “amazing”, “magical”, and “so proud of my hometown”. Others called it “brilliant and well organised” and said “the kids absolutely loved it”.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, added: “We’ve had three fabulous evenings with a great atmosphere. Thank you to 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.”
The event was organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency with Walk the Plank and Culture Co-op, and supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is one of many cultural events in Rochdale’s programme as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26.
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