Fire and ice set to dazzle Rochdale as Ignite Festival returns bigger and brighter

Thursday, 16 October 2025 17:32

By David Murphy

The countdown to Christmas starts in fiery fashion this November, as Rochdale’s Ignite Fire Festival returns with dazzling displays, a new torchlight procession, ice rink and festive market.

Rochdale Town Hall Square will blaze back to life this November with the return of the Ignite Fire Festival, a free, three-night event combining pyrotechnics, art, and festive fun in what organisers say will be the “biggest yet”.

Held from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November, the award-winning festival will light up not only the town hall gardens but also the newly restored Broadfield Slopes, which will be launched with a special torchlit procession on opening night.

The event is organised by Rochdale Borough Council and the Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with arts specialists Walk the Plank and the Culture Co-op. It is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by sponsors including The Trade Centre UK, The Casey Group, and BRSK.

Last year’s event drew thousands, but 2025’s edition raises the bar with the debut of an illuminated trail through Broadfield Slopes, a brand new ice rink, and a return of the popular Christmas Market. The festivities will culminate in the official Christmas lights switch-on, led by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Janet Emsley, at 5.30pm on the Sunday.

Each evening between 5pm and 8pm, visitors can explore a magical fire garden created by Walk the Plank, with flaming sculptures, light installations and mechanical marvels. Highlights include the world premiere of 'Bubbles of Love', a kinetic sculpture by Felix Rowberry, and the return of Paka’s Fire Dragon, complete with animatronic effects.

Liz Pugh, creative producer at Walk the Plank, 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.”

Returning crowd-favourite Drum Machine will bring their signature techno beats, while each evening a new fire drawing, created by local residents, will be set alight as part of a community celebration.

The Culture Co-op’s 'Fireflies' programme will also be back, with local residents trained in fire performance alongside Rochdale’s Skylight Circus Arts and Travelling Light Circus. Families will also be able to enjoy food stalls, mulled wine, and hot drinks throughout the weekend.

Adding to the festive cheer, a new Ice Rink by Santa’s Village opens in Rochdale Town Hall Square during the festival and will run daily until 4 January 2026. Organisers recommend early booking.

The festival comes as Rochdale celebrates its new status as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26, with Ignite set to be one of the flagship events in a packed year of arts and heritage programming.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, said: “This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail, an ice rink, and the return of our Christmas Market, Ignite is shaping up to be the ultimate winter experience. It’s a fantastic build-up to our big switch-on and something families across the borough can really look forward to.”

Mike Doyle, brand ambassador for headline sponsor The Trade Centre UK, added:

“We know what a fabulous event this is and it’s going to be bigger than ever this year. It’s also a way for us to give back to the borough where many of our loyal customers and employees live.”

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