Friday and Saturday’s fire festival cancelled due to severe weather

A fire breathing dragon from Global Grooves was one of a host of attractions at Ignite Fire Festival

Tonight and tomorrow’s Ignite Fire Festival in Rochdale (Friday 22 and Saturday 23 November) have been cancelled due to the severe weather.  Freezing temperatures, heavy rain and strong winds are expected with Storm Bert predicted to cause disruption across the region.

The event features various fire installations, light displays and live entertainment. Rochdale Borough Council said they were hoping Ignite Fire Festival would open on Sunday evening as planned and confirmed that the Christmas Lights Switch On also on Sunday is expected to go ahead at Rochdale Town Hall.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “We’re very sorry to have taken the decision to cancel the first two evenings of Ignite Fire Festival due to the freezing temperatures and forecast of heavy rain and strong winds.

"The safety of our visitors, crew and staff will never be compromised and the very slippery conditions today and those expected tomorrow would cause unacceptable risks, particularly to this type of event.

"We are closely monitoring the weather but intending Ignite to go ahead as planned on Sunday evening, accompanying the Christmas lights switch on.”

Alongside today’s freezing conditions the Met Office has warned of strong winds of up to 40 miles an hour hitting on Saturday afternoon and evening, accompanied by heavy rain.

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.  It is sponsored by The Trade Centre UK.