Light show is ready to kick-start festive season
THE festive countdown begins in Rochdale on Saturday with the Christmas lights switch-on at Rochdale Riverside and special magical family entertainment spread across the town centre.
In addition to stunning Christmas lights, there will be a series of very special light displays and live street theatre from 3.30pm, when the build up to the switchon 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:
Spark! - a mesmerising show combining high impact drumming with kaleidoscopic lighting and music.
Heliosphere - a giant colourful balloon will be rising above the town centre suspending an aerial acrobat.
Also at the switch-on will be Moths at Work - collecting smiles and laughs from everyone.
Giant brightly coloured Winter Wonderland Birds from the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ song will meet visitors and don’t miss the Curiosity Christmas Tree - a cross between a giant marble run and a magical clockwork toy, with bells and lights.
Making a guest appearance will be Sybil the baby whale created by Littleborough Arts Festival.
The switch-on is also the first time you’ll get to 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 SwitchOn will be digital sound and light installation - the Celestial Sound Cloud.
Outside there will be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks as well as face painting.
Father Christmas, the deputy mayor and special guests including Middleton Arena pantomime stars ‘Dame’ Captain Smollett and comic Silly Billy Bones will officially switch-on the lights at approximately 4pm and outdoor family entertainment continues until 5.30pm.
Before you head home you’re welcome to enjoy a meal or a drink in one of the nearby restaurants or bars - you’ll be spoilt for choice and many are doing special Christmas lights switch-on deals too, including 25% off at Crust Pizza and two for one on desserts at Heavenly desserts between 4pm7pm. The Medicine Tap on The Esplanade are putting on a very festive menu, including mince pies, mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates and Christmas cocktails, plus fully loaded hot chocolates and festive themed milkshakes for children. Find out more about events at www.rochdale. gov.uk/christmas.
The location for the Rochdale switch-on moves to the new Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure destination with more lights than ever before. In addition to stunning Christmas lights there will be special light displays and live street theatre
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