Kids can now become firefighters at Greater Manchester’s new immersive Fireground experience

Kids can now try their hand at being a firefighter in Greater Manchester’s new and immersive ‘Fireground’.

The new attraction has replaced Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum in Rochdale’s old fire station, and features a whole array of firefighter-themed fun for the little ones, including fully restored fire engines, horse-drawn fire carriages and manual hand-operated pumps

There’s also an immersive Victorian street scene and a scene from the blitz, complete with lighting and sound effects, perfect for the children to immerse themselves in the fire service’s extensive history.

The museum boasts a number of interactive display elements too, including a play area with a fireman’s pole to slide down – something that has proven to be a big hit with the kids.

@FiregroundRochdale / Facebook

@FiregroundRochdale / Facebook

The reviews for the new Fireground – which has been five years in the making with a massive of £1.6m – have been glowing, with parent and blogger Katrina Heywood hailing it as ‘the best time’ after visiting with her son Joseph.

Writing on her Mama Fox Reviews Facebook page, Katrina wrote: “Joseph loved all things firefighter related at the moment and there was lots of interactive things to do. He didn’t want to leave!”

Katrina said her son particularly enjoyed the interactive areas including the fireman’s pole, driving an engine simulation, trying on firefighter’s clothing and taking part in the firefighter quiz, which was ‘very accessible with pull away seating and colour coded questions using switches’.

She added: “The staff were all fantastic. Very knowledgeable and would give lots of info to adults and kids about the exhibits. Lovely interactions with the kids too.”

Mama Fox Reviews / Facebook

Mama Fox Reviews / Facebook

Over on the Fireground website, the company states it’s mission is to ‘explore, preserve and make accessible the history of fire, fire engineering and the fire and rescue services in the Greater Manchester region and, through our collections and resources, to further the education and promotion of fire safety in the community’.

There’s a cafe on site serving hot drinks and cakes, as well as a small shop selling toys, helmets, books and other firefighter-related products.

A number of events are planned at the museum later this year, including an Easter Trail on April 14th and 16th, a Mega Machines event on June 25th and a Family Fun Day on August 20th.

Tickets for children and concessions cost £5, adults £7, or family tickets for £20. Children under the age of four get to visit for free.

For more information and bookings, visit the Fireground website here.