Ignite Fire Festival Returns to Rochdale, UK: A Spectacular Celebration with Free Entry, Christmas Lights Switch-On, and Family Fun

Published on November 20, 2025

The Ignite Fire Festival returns to Rochdale, UK, from Friday, November 21 to Sunday, November 23, 2025, bringing a dazzling array of fire, lights, and entertainment to the town. As winter sets in, this free event promises to light up the town square and surrounding areas with its stunning fire displays, live performances, and a magical Christmas market, providing a perfect start to the holiday season. As one of the most anticipated cultural festivals in Rochdale, Ignite offers an exciting opportunity for both locals and visitors to experience the town’s festive spirit and rich cultural heritage.

With a backdrop of beautifully restored parkland and pathways around Rochdale Town Hall, the Ignite Fire Festival is set to transform the town into a vibrant celebration of art, community, and creativity. Whether you are a family looking for festive fun, a visitor interested in cultural events, or a traveler seeking something unique in the UK, this festival offers something for everyone. Featuring fire gardens, ice skating, and mesmerizing performances, it is a must-see event for those in the region.

A Magical Weekend of Fire, Lights, and Entertainment

The Ignite Fire Festival kicks off on Friday, November 21, with a torchlit procession that will lead to the opening of the newly restored Broadfield Slopes. This symbolic event includes a fire-drawn image of the Pack Horse, referencing the historic spring that gave its name to Packer Spout. As a prelude to the rest of the weekend, the procession sets the stage for the magical light and fire displays that will follow. The Casey Group, responsible for the slopes’ restoration, will also showcase modern construction equipment, giving visitors insight into the project and career opportunities within the construction industry.

From 5 pm to 8 pm each evening, the Rochdale Town Hall Square will become a hub of activity. The stunning fire gardens, featuring blazing sculptures and animatronic installations created by Walk the Plank, will be one of the highlights. The Bubbles of Love, a kinetic sculpture by Felix Rowberry, and Paka’s Fire Dragon, an animated fire-breathing creation, promise to captivate visitors with their mesmerizing movements and glowing presence. These installations provide an enchanting experience, inviting visitors to explore the interaction between light, fire, and art.

For those seeking more than visual delights, live performances will take center stage throughout the festival. A series of six spectacular fire shows will be staged by the renowned special effects company BPM SFX, offering thrilling displays of fire and light that are sure to leave audiences in awe. In addition, Travelling Light Circus and Rochdale’s Skylight Circus will return with their popular “Fireflies” show. This captivating performance features jugglers, fire torch spinning, and other multi-sensory elements, creating an immersive experience for festival-goers. The integration of local talent with professional performers enhances the festival’s community spirit, showcasing the region’s creative potential.

The Drum Machine, a drumming collective known for its techno-infused beats, will also be a part of the event, bringing a unique energy to the festival. Their rhythmic performances will surely energize the crowd and add a dynamic layer to the evening festivities.

Ice Skating and Christmas Market

In addition to the fire and light displays, the Rochdale Ice Rink will open for the first time, located in Santa’s Village at Rochdale Town Hall Square. This new addition to the festival is set to be a favorite for visitors of all ages, offering a magical experience on the ice. Running through to January 4, 2026, the ice rink invites families, couples, and visitors to glide across the ice, creating new memories during the festive season. While advance bookings are recommended, the rink provides a wonderful opportunity for tourists to enjoy winter sports in the heart of Rochdale.

Alongside the ice rink, the festival will also feature a Christmas market running on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will have the chance to explore a range of stalls selling seasonal goods, from crafts and handmade decorations to holiday treats and local products. The market adds a charming, festive touch to the event, making it a great spot for tourists to shop for unique Christmas gifts or simply enjoy the seasonal atmosphere.

The Christmas Lights Switch-On

The pinnacle of the Ignite Fire Festival will be the annual Christmas lights switch-on on Sunday, November 23. The switch-on ceremony, scheduled for 5:30 pm, will take place in front of the town hall, and will be led by Father Christmas, along with local dignitaries including the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Janet Emsley. This moment will be accompanied by the traditional countdown and the illumination of Rochdale Town Hall Square, signaling the start of the Christmas season for the town.

Following the switch-on, the festival will continue with performances and activities until 8 pm, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the fire shows, light displays, and other attractions. The Ignite Fire Festival and the Christmas lights switch-on mark the beginning of the festive season in Rochdale, and are a central event for the local community as well as tourists.

A Boost to Local Tourism

The Ignite Fire Festival is not only a major cultural event for Rochdale, but it also plays a key role in promoting local tourism. With thousands of visitors expected to attend over the three-day event, the festival provides a substantial boost to the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses benefit from the increased foot traffic, as tourists flock to Rochdale for a chance to experience this unique celebration.

The festival’s combination of fireworks, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and festive shopping creates an event that appeals to a wide range of visitors, from families with young children to couples seeking a romantic winter escape. The town’s central location in Greater Manchester also makes it an easy destination for both local residents and those traveling from farther afield. The Ignite Fire Festival thus serves as an excellent example of how cultural events can drive tourism while fostering a strong sense of community.

For tourists looking for an immersive and dynamic experience, the Ignite Fire Festival offers a unique combination of artistic expression, holiday cheer, and festive entertainment. The opportunity to explore Rochdale’s rich cultural history, enjoy fire and light displays, skate on an ice rink, and shop at a Christmas market makes this festival a must-visit destination during the winter season.

Supporting Local Arts and Culture

The Ignite Fire Festival is a fantastic showcase of the best of Rochdale’s arts and cultural scene. By collaborating with talented performers and artists, the event provides a platform for local and regional creators to display their work, giving festival-goers the chance to experience the incredible talent that the area has to offer. The festival also plays an important role in building connections within the community by bringing together residents, artists, businesses, and visitors in celebration.

Additionally, the event highlights the cultural significance of Rochdale Town Hall, a landmark building that serves as the perfect backdrop for the festivities. The town hall’s historic architecture and central location make it an iconic symbol of Rochdale’s community spirit, and its role as the setting for the festival further strengthens its position as a cultural hub.

Looking Forward: The Future of the Ignite Fire Festival

As the Ignite Fire Festival continues to grow, it is likely to become an even more prominent fixture in the UK’s winter festival calendar. With its combination of fire and light shows, family-friendly activities, and Christmas festivities, the event provides an excellent example of how cultural festivals can bring communities together while also driving local tourism. By showcasing the beauty of Rochdale, the event attracts visitors not just from the region, but also from across the UK, making it an essential part of the town’s annual cultural offerings.

The continued success of the Ignite Fire Festival is a testament to the power of art, community, and festivity in creating a sense of connection and celebration. For tourists looking for something special this winter, the Ignite Fire Festival in Rochdale is sure to offer a memorable and magical experience that blends creativity, culture, and holiday spirit.

As the event evolves, it promises to remain a key part of Rochdale’s tourism and cultural landscape, offering exciting opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors alike to come together and celebrate the festive season in style.