Rochdale's Ignite Fire Festival Returns with Dazzling New Attractions
The spectacular event, featuring fire, light, and sound, will transform Rochdale Town Hall Square and gardens over three evenings in November.
By Megan Worthington
••3 min read
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Generic image of a festive night-time town square illuminated by colourful lights and fire effects, with a large building in the background.
Rochdale is set to ignite the festive season with the return of the spectacular Ignite Fire Festival, promising a magical trail of fire, lights, and sound from Friday, 20 November to Sunday, 22 November.
The countdown to Christmas in Rochdale begins next month with the return of the spectacular Ignite Fire Festival and magical family entertainment leading up to the festive lights switch-on. The event, sponsored by The Trade Centre UK, will transform the square and gardens around Rochdale Town Hall, including the new pathways and parkland on Broadfield Slopes.
Organised by Rochdale Development Agency, this free night-time event will run over three evenings from Friday, 20 November to Sunday, 22 November, from 5pm to 8pm. This year promises to be the best yet with new dazzling trails and attractions.
A centrepiece of the festival will be 'BODY,' an immersive night-time trail that takes visitors on a journey through six zones of the human body using fire, light, sound, and special effects. This multi-sensory experience is the most ambitious fire and light installation yet from multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank, marking its north-west premiere after previously touring globally.
The festival will also feature a Fire Garden behind Rochdale Town Hall, showcasing intricate hand-crafted fire sculptures and pyrotechnics. Returning attractions include 'Drum Machine,' a 20-strong drumming collective, and 'Fireflies' as part of the Culture Co-op programme with Skylight Circus Arts. Live fire shows by Travelling Light Circus and performances by specially trained local residents will also mesmerise audiences.
Ignite Fire Festival is now one of the borough’s most popular free events, offering flame-cooked hot food, mulled wine, and seasonal drinks each night.
On Sunday, 22 November 2026, Father Christmas and guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Faisal Rana, will officially switch on the lights at 5:30pm in front of the town hall, following a traditional countdown. The Ignite Fire Festival will continue until 8pm.
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"Ignite Fire Festival has become a real success story for the borough, drawing audiences from across Greater Manchester and beyond. This 2026 line-up will build on that success with new attractions, creative performances and family-friendly experiences. It will be a fantastic celebration for residents and visitors alike, setting the stage perfectly for our Christmas lights switch-on."
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"The Body is unlike anything we’ve brought to Ignite before. An immersive fire and light experience that combines art, science and creativity to help people discover the incredible human body in a fun and engaging way. Set against the stunning backdrop of Rochdale Town Hall Square and gardens, it promises to be one of our most exciting attractions yet. Even if you’ve visited Ignite before, this year’s festival will feel completely new."
Ignite is funded by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Walk the Plank and Culture Co-op. Christmas lights switch-on events will also take place in Heywood and Middleton on Saturday, 14 November 2026, and in Littleborough on Saturday, 28 November 2026.
