Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch On

Sunday 20 November 2022
Entertainment from 3pm - 5.30pm, official lights switch on at 4pm

Rochdale Riverside
Riverside Walk
Rochdale Town Centre
OL16 1TR

Details:

The countdown to Christmas begins in Rochdale later this month as Rochdale Borough Council confirms a Christmas lights switch-on and lots of magical family entertainment on Sunday 20 November.

With the town hall still closed for refurbishment, the switch-on will be staged at the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure complex. In addition to stunning Christmas lights there will be a series of special light displays and live street theatre from 3pm when the build up to the switch-on begins.

From The Butts to Rochdale Riverside, you'll see spectacular illuminated street theatre and displays delivering a bright festive treat for all the family. These include Illumaphonium – a huge interactive musical installation of over 100 illuminated chime bars which respond when touched with patterns of light and sound. A giant disco ball ‘Compact Disco’ will bring lighthearted fun to the streets with sound activated coloured lights and look out for ‘Jacks of Frost’ a very festive pair of sparkling entertainers on stilts. 

There will also be giant squirrels bringing more fun to the day - a favourite with children of all ages, Mr and Mrs Nutkin love everything about Christmas and are looking forward to being part of the event. Giant luminous angels performing to mesmerising music will be there along with ‘The Invisible man’ – a quirky street theatre show with jaw dropping special effects.

Inside Number One Riverside, Cartwheel Arts will be hosting festive craft workshops for families. Children will be able to create and decorate their own relaxing winter scent bag, including cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Outside there will be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks. 

Father Christmas, the mayor councillor Ali Ahmed and his special guests officially switch-on the lights at 4pm after the traditional countdown and free outdoor family entertainment continues until 5.30pm.

Entry fee: Free

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