Enjoy a flamin’ good time at Ignite Fire Festival

Date published: 17 November 2024

The countdown to Christmas begins in Rochdale soon with the return of the Ignite Fire Festival, packed with free magical family entertainment. Ignite, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK will transform the gardens opposite Rochdale Town Hall from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 November with even more dazzling displays and fun than last year.

Blazing sculptures and illuminated installations created by artists and pyro technicians from multi-award winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank will be open to walk through from 5pm to 8pm each evening, with the Christmas lights switch-on taking place on the Sunday from 5.30pm.

Ignite will feature bubbling goblets of fire and a daisy chain of flaming flowers, alongside sculptures that twist, flap or erupt with balls of fire. Look out for ‘In the Balance’ - a seemingly impossible counter-balance of steel and fire, with rotating globes of flame, one of the highlights of this year’s event.

Accompanying all the fiery displays will be stunning live performances by some of the UK’s top talent. These include Flame Oz, the award-winning fire dance and pyrotechnic show that has already played over 1,000 audiences in over 40 countries. Travelling Light Circus will be returning with a mesmerising new multi-sensory fire show featuring jugglers, torch spinning and more. Liverpool’s Bring the Fire Project are promising a jaw dropping performance incorporating fire and dance.

Awe inspiring performers from local favourites Skylight Circus Arts will be adding fuel to the fire. Their first act each evening features ‘Fireflies,’ their new community fire spinning group, made up of 12 adult beginners trained by Travelling Light Circus. Their second performance will showcase some of their Teen Youth Circus, performing their newly acquired fire spinning circus skills.

Also landing in Rochdale will be Astro Aliens, a trio of quirky cosmic beings that children will love to watch. On the Friday Juggler, circus performer and entertainer The Fire Man Dave will present his high impact show set to music, with a unique combination of fire equipment. Making a welcome return after receiving a great reception last year are Drum Machine, a 20-strong drumming collective, who will bring their techno-infused beats to the party.

If you’ve got a burning desire for refreshments, you’re covered - there will be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks served each night and on the Sunday evening (24 November) Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale switch-on the Christmas lights at 5.30pm in front of the town hall after the traditional countdown, whilst the Ignite Fire Festival continues until 8pm.

Find out more, including act times and everything else you need to plan your visit to Ignite Fire Festival.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Ignite is such an exciting and unique event, with something for all ages that really delivers the wow factor and it’s the perfect addition to our big switch-on.”

Mark Bailey, founder and owner of sponsor Trade Centre UK added: “Our partnership with Ignite Fire Festival and the Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch On is a fantastic opportunity to give back to a community that has welcomed us so warmly. Supporting events like this, which bring people together to celebrate in the heart of Rochdale, aligns perfectly with our core values of community and connection.”

The event is free, and no tickets are required. Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with Walk the Plank and Culture Co-op, a ‘Creative People and Places’ programme, funded by Arts Council England.