Rochdale to Skate into Christmas with First Real Ice Rink in Two Decades
Rochdale, Greater Manchester – Festive cheer is set to reach a new high in Rochdale this year as the town announces the arrival of its first real ice rink in approximately 20 years. The rink will be the sparkling centrepiece of a new Santa’s Village, transforming Rochdale Town Hall Square into a winter wonderland.
The grand opening on Friday, November 21st, will welcome skaters of all abilities to what is being promised as, "a magical experience for all ages and skill levels". The covered, outdoor rink will be open to anyone aged four and above, with skate aids available to hire for younger children under 120 cm.
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This major festive attraction is part of a significantly expanded Christmas offering for the town. Santa’s Village will also feature the chance for families to visit Father Christmas in his, "authentic, rustic", grotto, located at the Riverside.
The launch of the ice rink coincides with the return of the spectacular Ignite Fire Festival. Now extended, the festival will illuminate the square, gardens, and the newly restored pathways of Broadfield Slopes. From November 21st to 23rd, between 5 PM and 8 PM, visitors can explore a free, "magical trail of fire and lights", created by the multi-award-winning arts specialists, Walk the Plank. The trail will feature fiery displays, blazing sculptures, and dazzling installations, with organisers expecting bigger crowds than ever.
The weekend of light and fire will culminate in the town's official Christmas lights switch-on at 5:30 PM on Sunday, November 23rd. A Christmas market will also return to the square, completing the festive experience.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, expressed her excitement for the expanded festivities.
“Our Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Light’s Switch On is a fantastic event and has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester”, she said. "This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail around our beautifully restored slopes area, the ice rink and the return of a Christmas Market it really will be the perfect build up to our big switch-on and the ultimate winter experience, providing lots of family entertainment across the weekend”.
Tickets for a 45-minute skating session are priced at £9.50 for children and £13.50 for teenagers and adults. Children under 13 must be accompanied on the ice by an adult, with one adult permitted to supervise up to five children.
The ice rink will operate on a weekend-only basis (Friday to Sunday) from November 21st to December 14th. It will then open daily from December 19th through to January 4th, closing only on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The grand opening on Friday, November 21st, will welcome skaters of all abilities to what is being promised as, "a magical experience for all ages and skill levels". The covered, outdoor rink will be open to anyone aged four and above, with skate aids available to hire for younger children under 120 cm.
.jpg)
This major festive attraction is part of a significantly expanded Christmas offering for the town. Santa’s Village will also feature the chance for families to visit Father Christmas in his, "authentic, rustic", grotto, located at the Riverside.
The launch of the ice rink coincides with the return of the spectacular Ignite Fire Festival. Now extended, the festival will illuminate the square, gardens, and the newly restored pathways of Broadfield Slopes. From November 21st to 23rd, between 5 PM and 8 PM, visitors can explore a free, "magical trail of fire and lights", created by the multi-award-winning arts specialists, Walk the Plank. The trail will feature fiery displays, blazing sculptures, and dazzling installations, with organisers expecting bigger crowds than ever.
The weekend of light and fire will culminate in the town's official Christmas lights switch-on at 5:30 PM on Sunday, November 23rd. A Christmas market will also return to the square, completing the festive experience.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, expressed her excitement for the expanded festivities.
“Our Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Light’s Switch On is a fantastic event and has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester”, she said. "This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail around our beautifully restored slopes area, the ice rink and the return of a Christmas Market it really will be the perfect build up to our big switch-on and the ultimate winter experience, providing lots of family entertainment across the weekend”.
Tickets for a 45-minute skating session are priced at £9.50 for children and £13.50 for teenagers and adults. Children under 13 must be accompanied on the ice by an adult, with one adult permitted to supervise up to five children.
The ice rink will operate on a weekend-only basis (Friday to Sunday) from November 21st to December 14th. It will then open daily from December 19th through to January 4th, closing only on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
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