Fire starters - line-up revealed for Rochdale’s fire festival

More details have been revealed about the Ignite Fire Festival taking place in Rochdale town centre from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 November, leading up to the Christmas lights switch-on.

Ignite will be transforming the gardens opposite Rochdale Town Hall with three free night-time spectacular shows delivering a magical trail of fire, lights and entertainment for all the family.   

Accompanying all the fiery displays, blazing sculptures and illuminated installations created by artists and pyrotechnicians from outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank 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, harnessing the beauty of danger into a symmetry of patterns.

Also landing in Rochdale will be Astro Aliens, a trio of quirky cosmic beings that children will love to watch. Juggler, circus performer and entertainer The Fire Man Dave will present his high impact show set to music, with 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.

Rochdale’s Skylight Circus Arts will also be performing.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “The amazing live performances were a hit with audiences last year and really brought the event to life so I’m excited to confirm we have even more acts on this line-up. 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.”

Ignite Fire Festival, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK will be open to walk through from 5pm to 8pm each evening with the Christmas lights switch-on taking place on the Sunday.  Dates and performance times for the live entertainment as well as other useful information to help plan your visit is at www.rochdale.gov.uk/christmas   

There will also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks available.  

Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil Ahmed will officially switch-on the lights from 5.30pm on Sunday 24 November in front of the town hall after the traditional countdown, whilst the Ignite Fire Festival continues until 8pm.

Mark Bailey, founder and owner of 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.” 

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.