Light magic - Rochdale’s big Christmas switch-on Sunday

Date published: 11 November 2022

The countdown to Christmas begins in Rochdale this month as Rochdale Borough Council stage a Christmas lights switch-on and lots of extra magical free family entertainment on Sunday 20 November.

With the town hall still closed for refurbishment, the switch-on will be staged at the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure complex. In addition to stunning Christmas lights there will be a series of special light displays and live street theatre from 3pm when the build up to the switch-on begins.

From The Butts to Rochdale Riverside, visitors will see and hear spectacular illuminated street theatre and displays delivering a bright festive treat for all the family. These include Illumaphonium – a huge interactive musical installation of over 100 illuminated chime bars which respond when touched with patterns of light and sound. A giant disco ball ‘Compact Disco’ will bring lighthearted fun to the streets with sound activated coloured lights and look out for ‘Jacks of Frost’ a very festive pair of sparkling entertainers on stilts.

There will also be giant squirrels bringing more fun to the day - a favourite with children of all ages, Mr and Mrs Nutkin love everything about Christmas and are looking forward to being part of the event. Giant luminous angels performing to mesmerising music will be there along with ‘The Invisible man’ – a quirky street theatre show with jaw dropping special effects.

Inside Number One Riverside, Cartwheel Arts will be hosting festive craft workshops for families. Children will be able to create and decorate their own relaxing winter scent bag, including cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Outside there will be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.

Middleton Band will be performing festive favourites from 2.30pm.

Father Christmas, the mayor councillor Ali Ahmed and his special guests officially switch-on the lights at 4pm after the traditional countdown and free outdoor family entertainment continues until 5.30pm.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for events said: “As well as all the lights there will be lots of bright and colourful family entertainment across town for all the family. The switch-on is always a brilliant event and there will be something for everyone. It’s a chance to support local with our fantastic businesses and I invite everyone to come and join us.”

Rachel Byrne, centre manager for Rochdale Riverside added: “This is a big day on the calendar and we’re excited to be working with the council to help kick off the Christmas countdown at Rochdale Riverside. We hope we can create an amazing experience for the people of Rochdale to come together and celebrate. It’s great to see the lights going up around town and such a magical moment when they first go on.”

Illumaphonium – the interactive musical installation of over 100 illuminated chime bars will also be open at Rochdale Riverside on Saturday 19 November from 11am – 5.30pm as well as the event on Sunday.

Find out the latest about the event.

Christmas switch on events are also taking in place in:

• Heywood town centre, Saturday 19 November – 3pm to 5.30pm, organised by Heywood Business Group.
• Middleton town centre, Saturday 19 November – 1pm to 7pm organised by Middleton Township.
• Littleborough town centre, Saturday 26 November – 3.30pm to 6pm organised by LEAF.