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

Hot stuff.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 10th November 2025

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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

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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The Disney Store returns to Manchester with magical Selfridges collaboration

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Disney x Selfridges

The iconic The Disney Store has finally returned to Manchester, thanks to an exclusive new collaboration with Selfridges.

The luxury department store has today unveiled a new collection of limited-edition Disney favourites, pin badges, plush toys, and, of course, the famous headbands.

‘A Most Magical Christmas’ has opened its doors today, bringing back all the magic of The Disney Store to both Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre.

In the collection, you’ll even find Selfridges x Disney toys, like a Winnie the Pooh range in that iconic Selfridges yellow.

The windows of the stores have been taken over by beloved characters, recreating scenes from classics like Lady & The Tramp and Fantasia.

There’s even a gigantic Mickey Mouse-shaped glitter ball overhead as you enter the Exchange Square store.

There are more than 60 brand collaborations involved in ‘A Most Magical Christmas’, including limited-edition items, specially commissioned fashion pieces, and unique gift ideas.

From today, you can take your shopping home in a limited-edition bespoke Disney iterations of the Selfridges yellow bag.

Branded fashion pieces
Branded fashion pieces
The iconic Disney ears
The iconic Disney ears
Disney x Selfridges pieces
Disney x Selfridges pieces
Giant Disney ears now welcome you to Selfridges
Giant Disney ears now welcome you
Soft toys
Soft toys
Winnie the Pooh range in the iconic Selfridges yellow
Winnie the Pooh range in the iconic Selfridges yellow
Disney x Selfridges
Disney x Selfridges
Exclusive Disney Coach purses
Exclusive Disney Coach purses
A Disney window display at Selfridges
A Disney window display at Selfridges
Limited-edition yellow bags
Limited-edition yellow bags

The two brands have a long history dating back to the 1950s, when Alice and Wonderland and the Mad Hatter featured above the main entrance in London – now there’s a brand-new partnership that’s been two years in the making.

André Maeder, Selfridges Group Chief Executive Officer, says: “We’re full of excitement for this collaboration, bringing Selfridges and Disney together for a Christmas like no other.

“With a shared history of imagination and creativity it’s been a joy to dream up something this unique and special, working with some of the world’s best storytellers.

“We can’t wait to reveal more and share the magic with our customers.”

Tasia Filippatos, Global President Disney Consumer Products, says, “At Disney, we believe in the enduring power of storytelling to inspire joy, wonder, and connection – especially during the holiday season.

“Our collaboration with Selfridges allows us to share the magic of Disney through imaginative window displays, festive experiences, and unique products – all inspired by the stories that have captured hearts for generations.”

There are Disney pieces in the Selfridges Christmas Shop too, like iridescent Mickey Mouse baubles, and tiny Tinker Bells you can hang on your tree.

The Disney x Selfridges ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ collaboration is in store now in both Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre, and online.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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