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Major Christmas lights switch-on event announced at Manchester’s iconic Printworks

It’ll be the biggest switch-on in the city centre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 18th November 2025

Printworks has announced details of a major Christmas lights switch-on event, with celebrity guest Will Mellor.

Set to be the biggest switch-on event in Manchester city centre, the celebration will include a festive singalong and live entertainment, plus a 16ft digital tree and plenty more.

And as part of the wider festive celebrations at Printworks, there’ll be 25 prizes to be won all the way through December, including hotel stays and other goodies from the businesses based in the landmark building.

The Printworks Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on Saturday 29 November, kicking off at 4.30pm with a performance from the brilliant roaming brass band, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners.

Then there’ll be a family Christmas singalong at 5pm on Printworks’ interactive gaming screen, where Mancs can belt out classic Christmas hits together.

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At 6pm, the almighty 16ft digital Christmas tree will be officially switched on by TV legend Will Mellor, along with a new festive display appearing overhead on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.

Printworks will host its Christmas Lights switch-on event in November. Credit: Jason Lock Photography
Printworks will host its Christmas Lights switch-on event in November. Credit: Jason Lock Photography
Printworks will host its Christmas Lights switch-on event in November. Credit: Jason Lock Photography
Printworks will host its Christmas Lights switch-on event in November. Credit: Jason Lock Photography

Expect to see Santa’s sleigh flying across the building, and Santa Claus himself pointing out passers-by and revealing if they’ve made the naughty or nice list.

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The event will finish with a one-hour DJ set from Jack Clark to keep visitors in the festive spirit.
Throughout December, visitors to Printworks can enter daily prize-draws at the digital Christmas tree, with big prizes up for grabs.

Daniel Davis, Centre Manager, said: “Families loved last year’s festive switch-on, which brought light to the city when the citywide celebration was cancelled. We’re thrilled to bring it back even bigger and brighter.

“With our incredible digital ceiling and new interactive features, we’re giving visitors a Christmas experience like no other full of music, magic and surprises.

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“Our 16ft digital tree is something truly unique to Manchester, and with 25 prizes up for grabs throughout December, there’s a real reason to keep coming back. Whether you’re joining us for the switch-on or popping in for a festive meal or film, we can’t wait to celebrate with the community.”

The Christmas switch-on event at Printworks in Manchester

  • 4.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
  • 5pm – Family singalong
  • 5.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
  • 6pm – Christmas switch-on with Will Mellor
  • 6.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
  • 7pm – 8pm – DJ set with DJ Jack Clark

For more information, head HERE.

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Featured image: Jason Lock Photography

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Rochdale to be filled with fiery sculptures for return of dazzling Ignite Fire Festival

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Rochdale to be filled with fiery sculptures for return of dazzling Ignite Fire Festival

A magical trail of fire sculptures and light installations will return to Rochdale this month, spilling across the square and gardens around the almighty Rochdale Town Hall.

Ignite Fire Festival will be back in town this winter between 21 and 23 November, for three free nights of spectacular shows, light trails and family-friendly entertainment.

That’s alongside an ice rink and Christmas market, too.

It’s all in the lead-up to the festive lights switch-on and will include a 20-strong drumming collective, blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.

This year’s Ignite Fire Festival will be the biggest yet, Rochdale Borough Council has promised, with artworks created once again by multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.

The event will kick off on the Friday of the festival with a torchlight procession to officially launch the new Broadfield Slopes, which has been carefully restored to deliver new pathways and parkland in the town centre.

Thousands of people are expected to attend again, for an evening that includes flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent and ‘Drum Machine’ – the 20 strong drumming collective will be bringing their techno infused beats.

Rochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Walk the Plank / Alan Hamer
Rochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Walk the Plank / Alan Hamer

There‘ll also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.

Rochdale’s Ice Rink by Santa’s Village will also be open and running until 4 January, although advance booking is advised.

Councillor Sue Smith says: “Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Light’s Switch On has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester.

“This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail around our beautifully restored slopes area, the ice rink and the return of a Christmas Market it really will be the ultimate winter experience.”

Ignite Fire Festival, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK, will open from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November, with dazzling shows between 5pm and 8pm.

One of the installations from last year. Fiery displays, 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 each evening.
One of the installations from last year
Displays will be open to walk through each evening
Displays will be open to walk through each evening
Rochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Andy Kruczek
Rochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Andy Kruczek
Expect flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent.
Expect flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent.
Credit: Rochdale Borough Council
Credit: Rochdale Borough Council
Back again for 2025 is ‘Drum Machine’. Credit: Supplied
Back again for 2025 is ‘Drum Machine’. Credit: Supplied

Then there’ll be the Christmas lights switch-on taking place from 5.30pm on the Sunday, with Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale.

Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Culture Co-op, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The festival is also supported by The Casey Group – the contractor responsible for the restoration of the Broadfield Slopes, who will have plant equipment at the event to inspire future careers in the construction industry and highlight opportunities available.

BRSK – the full fibre broadband provider is also supporting, and will have a presence at the festival.

Find out more about Ignite Fire Festival in Rochdale HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

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An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season

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One of the coolest Christmas party venues in the UK will reopen its doors in Greater Manchester this winter, whisking you away for an apres-ski-inspired party.

All the vibes of a classic apres-ski experience will be brought to a pop-up Yurt Village, each one decorated with log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, fur throws, and even cable cars. 

Spending your Christmas ‘do at the YurtBar pop-up in Sale means you could have an evening packed with steins of beer, live music, and ski shots, surrounded by your loved ones (… or colleagues). 

And to celebrate its triumphant return to Manchester, we’ve got a lovely 20% discount for The Manc readers – find out how to claim yours below. 

Each yurt in the YurtBar’s pop-up village is a different size, so there’s the right event space for everything from a 350-strong private Christmas party to a table for six for a birthday night out. 

An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season

They’re all named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts, like Chamonix, Val D’Isere, and Avoriaz. 

On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple. 

That includes a festive arancini ‘snowball’, slow-cooked beef daube with mash, cabbage and a sticky bourguignon sauce, and an Alpine sharing board for dessert with a chocolate log, Aperol spritz cheesecake, and lemon posset pots. 

Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up

And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.

You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth. 

Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.

The Manc readers can get an exclusive 20% off their booking by using the code yurtbar20 – book your party HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

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