Festive switch-on to make dazzling return
Christmas event will have more lights than ever before
THE town’s Christmas lights switchon is set to return this year with an event at Rochdale Riverside.
After last year’s switchon was held virtually due to the pandemic, this year’s event to signal the countdown to Christmas in Rochdale will be held in-person.
Due to the refurbishment of the town hall the event moves to Rochdale Riverside on Saturday November 20, with more lights than ever before.
Live street theatre will take place from 3.30pm before Father Christmas, the deputy mayor and special guests will officially switch-on the lights at 4pm and outdoor family entertainment continues until 5.30pm.
There will also be events in the town centres of Heywood, Middleton and Littleborough.
Rachel Byrne, centre manager for Rochdale Riverside, said: “We’re so excited to be hosting the spectacular lights switch on at Rochdale Riverside.
“It’s set to be a special day and will really kick-off the festive countdown in style! We also have a variety of festivities planned on-site throughout the Christmas season and hope we can create an amazing experience for the people of Rochdale to come together and celebrate.”
Street displays and illuminated street theatre will take place from The Butts to Rochdale Riverside, featuring a number of standout attractions.
These include; Spark!, a mesmerising show combining high impact drumming with kaleidoscopic lighting and music, and Heliosphere, a giant colourful balloon that will rise above the river in the town centre suspending an aerial acrobat.
Also at the switch-on will be Moths at Work, a disco theatre full of colour and fun; giant brightly coloured Winter Wonderland birds from the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ song and the Curiosity Christmas Tree - a cross between a giant marble run and a magical clockwork toy with tinkling bells and lights.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said: “We’re pleased to welcome back our Christmas lights switchon, there will be more lights than ever and lots of spectacular extra colourful displays for all the family.
“It’s also the day we open the Gaia exhibition and the first time we have been able to have a switch-on event including the new Rochdale Riverside, so it’s going to be amazing.
“With food and drink and street theatre to entertain the crowds there will be something for everyone. It’s also a chance to support local with our fantastic businesses and I invite everyone to come and join us.”
The Rochdale switchon is also the first time residents can see Gaia, the internationally renowned stunning replica of planet earth that will be on display at Number One Riverside for five weeks.
Also inside Number One Riverside especially for the Christmas Lights Switch-on will be digital sound and light installation - the Celestial Sound Cloud, so as you move around the ground floor you’ll activate musical notes, voices and magical lights.
Christmas switch on events are also taking in place in: Heywood town centre, Saturday 20 November - 3pm to 5.30pm, organised by Heywood Business Group.
Middleton town centre, Sunday 21 November - 1pm to 5pm organised by Middleton Township.
Littleborough town centre, Saturday 27 November - 3.30pm to 6pm organised by LEAF.
For more information visit www.rochdale.gov. uk/christmas
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