Ready to light up the festive season
THE countdown for Christmas is well and truly on as the date for this year’s Christmas lights switch-on has been revealed.
Rochdale Borough Council has announced that the switch-on will take place on Sunday, November 20, with fun for all the family.
With the town hall still closed for refurbishment, the switch-on will be staged at the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure complex, where there will also be a series of special light displays and live street theatre from 3pm.
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.
Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for events said: “As well as all the lights there will be lots of bright and colourful family entertainment across town for all the family.
“Last year was amazing and we’re hoping to top it this time with a spectacular Sunday afternoon. The switch-on is always a brilliant event and there will be something for everyone. It’s a chance to support local with our fantastic businesses and I invite everyone to come and join us.”
From The Butts to Rochdale Riverside, visitors will see and hear 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 light-hearted 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, while outside there will be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
Rachel Byrne, centre manager for Rochdale Riverside added: “This is a big day on the calendar and we’re excited to be working with the council to help kick off the Christmas countdown at Rochdale Riverside.
Christmas switch on events are also taking in place in: Heywood town centre, Saturday 19 November - 3pm to 5.30pm, organised by Heywood Business Group.
Middleton town centre, Saturday 19 November 1pm to 7pm organised by Middleton Township.
Littleborough town centre, Saturday 26 November - 3.30pm to 6pm organised by LEAF.
For more information visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/ christmas