Town prepares to ignite joy, pathways and possibly a few rogue pigeons
Rochdale’s Christmas countdown is set to begin with controlled pyromania, techno drummers, flaming sculptures, and the subtle scent of mulled panic, as the Ignite Fire Festival returns for its second outing and what officials promise will be “a glorious, flaming triumph of festive infrastructure.”
From November 21–23, the area around Rochdale Town Hall and Broadfield Slopes will be temporarily transformed into a swirling inferno of art, light, and one pensioner inevitably asking, “Is it meant to be on fire?”
Last year’s debut festival saw crowds amazed, delighted, and briefly blinded. This year, organisers have gone bigger, adding an ice rink, kinetic sculptures, and something called Bubbles of Love, which sounds like either a heart-warming installation or an awkward adult bath product.
Returning with flaming vengeance are Walk the Plank, the arts outfit responsible for 90% of the nation’s organised outdoor combustion. They’ll be delivering nightly infernos, animatronic fire-breathing dragons, and a torchlight procession so dramatic it’s expected to trigger at least three fire alarms in unrelated postcodes.
Creative producer Liz Pugh said she was “particularly excited” about the new trails across Broadfield Slopes, which now feature fresh planting and restored paths, ideal for strolling calmly toward a giant flaming horse while sipping overpriced hot chocolate.
Also returning is Drum Machine, the 20-strong ensemble of percussionists known for combining tribal rhythm with the sound of a thousand techno gremlins escaping from a bin. “It’s like your soul is dancing and your eardrums are filing complaints,” said one attendee last year.
The event will culminate in the Christmas Lights Switch-On, featuring Father Christmas, Mayor Janet Emsley, and a crowd countdown that will either launch a thousand lights or slightly singe someone’s eyebrows.
Meanwhile, Fireflies, a collaboration between Skylight Circus Arts, Travelling Light Circus, and locals trained not to panic while holding flames, will perform fire spinning acts that say, “I love Christmas, but also chaos.”
New for 2025 is an ice rink next to Santa’s Village, promising a magical, non-litigious experience until January 4. Organisers advise pre-booking, safety helmets, and accepting the inevitability of bruises.
The festival is funded by Rochdale Council, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the souls of several stressed event planners. Sponsorship comes from The Trade Centre UK (because nothing says Christmas like nearly new car finance) and BRSK broadband, who may or may not be offering festive fibre optics.
Reporting from down the M62, we at the Rochdale Times advise: prepare your thermal underwear, your best high-vis Santa hat, and at least one marshmallow. Rochdale is about to light up, on purpose this time.
