The introduction of drones changed the world in a lot of ways. They’re used in filmmaking, deliveries, search and rescue, and even agriculture. However, one of the most eye-catching changes is in the world of entertainment. Drone light shows, where hundreds of glowing drones create shapes and animations in the sky, are becoming more popular nowadays, from private weddings to massive public events.
How do drone shows work?
Behind each show is a mix of creative design, advanced tech, and careful planning. Companies like Skymagic, one of the biggest drone show operators, use thousands of custom-built drones. Each drone has LED lights, a flight time of around 25 minutes, and can fly at speeds of up to 10 metres per second.
Before a show begins, the drones are stored in flight cases and unpacked on-site. They’re laid out in a grid pattern, half a meter apart. Once they receive a ‘go’ command, the performance is flown using GPS-based geo-fencing. A single operator can control thousands of drones at once, making it possible to create detailed images and even short animations in the sky.
Creative directors work closely with drone programmers to design each movement to make visually emotional stories using patterns, symbols, and transitions. It can also be used to hype sports and its intense moments that some even reach headlines in Stake news. There are also shows that pair drones with fireworks, lasers, or music to create a more complete experience.
Drone shows are a growing trend
Once rare and seen only at large tech events or during product launches, drone light shows are now popping up in all kinds of places. Couples are booking them for weddings, families for birthday parties, and corporations for special announcements. Theme parks have also adopted them, putting on drone shows multiple nights in a row for crowds.
Large-scale drone shows have also made it to big events. Glastonbury, one of the UK’s most famous music festivals, featured its first drone show in 2024. In China, a world record was set in October 2024 with a show using 10,200 drones—the largest display ever seen.
Communities like Toronto have also begun replacing fireworks with drone shows for events like Canada Day, as it brings lots of benefits like noise reduction and wildfire prevention.
Will it replace fireworks?
Drone shows are becoming strong competitors to fireworks for several reasons. One of the best reasons is that they’re quieter and more environmentally friendly. Because it doesn’t use gun powder or any heavy metals, municipalities prefer using drones over fireworks for public events.
Another reason fireworks are being replaced is that they leave debris behind and can be too loud, which can harm people with sensitive hearing and animals. On the other hand, drones don’t create noise pollution and can be reused.
They’re also incredibly precise. Because drones are programmed to follow exact paths, their movements can be timed perfectly with music or narration. This synchronisation is something fireworks can’t match. Drone shows are now being called a new form of art, capable of telling stories and sparking emotions.
Regulations and limitations
As promising as drone shows are, they face challenges. Regulations vary by country, and not every place makes it easy to fly large numbers of drones at once. For example, England has stricter flight rules than some Middle Eastern countries, which can limit how creative a show can be in different regions.
Weather is another issue since strong winds can affect drones and may need to return to the ground if blown off course. Backup systems are in place to help with this, but outdoor events are still a concern.
The biggest hurdle for many people, though, is cost. Drone shows aren’t cheap. Industry estimates suggest that each drone costs about $300 in the UK, and a 500-drone show can go over $150,000.
The show at the Underwood wedding, for example, likely cost tens of thousands of dollars. Large-scale displays, like the ones at Coachella or the King’s Coronation concert in the UK, can exceed $1 million.
Reshaping the world of public entertainment
The capabilities of drones are not limited to scouting, taking photos and videos, or even racing—they can also be used for public entertainment through drone light shows. Some would say that it can replace fireworks in the future, but the appeal of pyrotechnics still appeals to a lot of people. Combining two requires additional skill for the operators, but it is possible.
Using drones for light shows comes with pros and cons, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. This means that in the future, more shows will reach Stake news headlines as it is used in numerous massive events like sports tournaments, weddings, and even royal coronations. Viewers following these events—especially those with a Stake account—can expect exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and real-time insights as drone shows become an integral part of major global celebrations.
