A new ‘Fireground’ experience has opened up inside an old museum, and it gives kids the chance to play at being firefighters for a day.
Newly-opened attraction Fireground Rochdale has replaced the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum in Rochdale’s old fire station, and it has everything from fully-restored fire engines, historic horse-drawn fire carriages, and manual hand-operated pumps, to an immersive Victorian street scene, and a scene from the blitz complete with lighting and sound effects all under one roof.
But probably one of the best parts about the new attraction for children is the countless interactive display elements that are there to teach them about the fire service’s impressive and extensive history.
Some of these interactive elements include fire engine toy replicas, a driving simulator game, the chance for kids to try on some firefighter costumes and helmets while sitting inside a real fire engine, and so much more.
One of the activities that’s proved most-popular is the child-sized fireman’s pole to slide down.
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Fireground has replaced the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum in Rochdale’s old fire station / Credit: Fireground Rochdale (via Facebook)
Inside the main building of Rochdale’s historic Maclure Road Fire Station, the new Fireground Rochdale is four-times bigger than the original museum.
It’s part of a £1.6 million renovation project that’s been five years in the making.
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Explaining a little bit more about Fireground on its website, the company states that its mission is to “explore, preserve and make accessible the history of fire, fire engineering and the fire and rescue services in the Greater Manchester region and, through our collections and resources, to further the education and promotion of fire safety in the community.”
And it’s fair to say that the reviews for the new Fireground have been glowing, with one parent and blogger, Katrina Heywood, saying it was “the best time” after visiting with her young son Joseph last month.
Another parent left a recent review claiming the family-friendly experience is “a great place to visit with lots of history and interactive activities”.
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“The staff were so friendly, welcoming and engaging,” another parent added in their review.
The immersive experience gives kids the chance to play at being firefighters for a day / Credit: Fireground Rochdale (via Facebook)
As well as getting to make the most of all of the interactive displays and historical elements of Fireground, there’s also a cafe on site serving hot drinks and cakes, as well as a small shop selling toys, helmets, books, and other firefighter-related products.
A number of events are planned at the museum later this year – including an ‘Easter Trail’ on 14 & 16 April, a ‘Mega Machines’ event on 25 June,’ and a Family Fun Day’ on 20 August.
Tickets for children and concessions cost £5, adults £7, or family tickets for £20, and children under the age of four visit for free.
For more information and bookings, you can visit the Fireground Rochdale website here.
Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage plays of the 21st Century is returning to Manchester.
Based on the celebrated 2003 novel of the same name that captivated readers worldwide, and inspired a groundbreaking National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is returning to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in early 2027 as part of a major UK tour.
The new play is adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed Playwright Simon Stephens, and will be directed by Ned Bennett.
Taking over the Manchester Opera House stage in March 2027, critics have described the production as ‘inventive, gripping, and moving’.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story to create an ‘unforgettable’ theatrical event.
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If you’re not familiar with the plot, the play tells the story of Christopher Boone – a gifted child with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life.
When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself under suspicion, but determined to prove his innocence, Christopher becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue he uncovers.
What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, ultimately forcing him to confront truths that will test his courage, his family, and his understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“The journey of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an extraordinary adventure,” commented Playwright Simon Stephens, as the new adaptation was announced this week.
“It has taken me all over the world. From church halls to enormous auditoria, and from school drama clubs to Wembley Way.
“I am thrilled that Christopher Boone is about to head out again through the United Kingdom. He is a boy defined by his determination and his bravery. This feels like a time when those characteristics are more urgently needed than ever.”
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester Opera House as part of its UK tour from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Friday (21 November) at 10am.
Lightwaves returns to Salford Quays next month with mesmerising FREE outdoor light trail
Emily Sergeant
One of the North West’s most mesmerising light art festivals is returning to Salford once again this festive season.
After having successfully lit up MediaCity like never before in recent years, and going on to become an undeniable winter season highlight in Greater Manchester, Lightwaves Salford is set to return for another year early next month, and will be joining the growing list of light trails already in place across the region and beyond.
Presented by Quays Culture, the popular festival is returning for its twelfth year, and there’ll be 12 illuminated artworks along a 1.5km fully-accessible trail around MediaCity and Salford Quays.
The mesmerising immersive experience will include installations of different scale, all making use of light, sound, and technology in innovative ways.
The themes of the artworks vary from celebrating the nostalgia of a seaside arcade, to highlighting climate change and our connection to the natural world all set to represented, aiming to offer people a sense of optimism and togetherness.
Organisers are calling this year’s festival their ‘most interactive yet’.
“This year the focus is on artworks that visitors can engage with on a more human scale,” explained Rachel Candler from Quays Culture, “so we’re looking forward to seeing playful moments and even some dancing.
Lightwaves returns to Salford Quays next month with a mesmerising FREE outdoor light trail / Credit: Dave Sloan | Liz West
“Year on year, Lightwaves delights audiences of all ages, and we’re sure that 2025 will be no exception.
“For many of our visitors, Lightwaves Salford marks the start of the festive period, getting together with friends or family for a dazzling evening of light art as we head into the winter months.”
Emily Sergeant -
20th January 2022 
