3 December 2024

Drone shows to light up Australia Day weekend skies again

| Ian Bushnell
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drones depicting a bird

One of the spectacular images from last January’s drone show above Lake Burley Griffin. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.

Hundreds of drones will again take flight to light up the night sky over the Australia Day weekend in a spectacular show telling the national story.

FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow will return in 2025 over three nights after the inaugural flights in January treated Canberrans to a festival of light above Lake Burley Griffin set to a bespoke soundtrack.

On the ground, the night markets will also be back at Commonwealth Place and Regatta Point providing an array of food, unique crafts, live music and roving performers.

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FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow, which won the Major Festival and Events Award at this year’s Canberra Region Tourism Awards, launches 600 drones into the sky that will be programmed to follow specific flight paths and exhibit various colours and patterns with their onboard LED lights.

This year, the drones will depict Australian native flora, fauna and history on the canvas of the night sky.

Federal Minister for Territories Kristy McBain said the show would be an opportunity to come together and reflect, respect and celebrate all Australians and to showcase the diverse national story.

It would also bring the Lake Burley Griffin environs to life.

“Lake Burley Griffin is one of the National Capital’s best assets, which is why we’re committed to activating it with a range of diverse and inclusive experiences,” she said.

“We’ve had paddle boats set sail again, saunas are on the way, and now we’ll see Flight Drone SkyShow back in 2025 – building on its success from this year.”

Internationally recognised event company AGB Creative will deliver Flight Drone SkyShow 2025, which has been made possible through the support of the National Capital Authority and the National Australia Day Council.

FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow will take place on Friday, 24 January, Saturday, 25 January, and Sunday, 26 January, with two shows a night at 9 pm and 10 pm.

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Each show will be visible from the main event hub at Commonwealth Place, as well as Mount Ainslie and anywhere along the shoreline of the Central Basin.

However, your location could alter your perspective on some elements of the Drone SkyShow.

The markets and live entertainment kick off at 5 pm.

Large crowds are anticipated, so people are urged to plan ahead to avoid travel delays. Register via Eventbrite.

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Was the award it won “Most boring display possible”?

Just put on the fireworks that the majority of people would prefer.

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