At Celestial, we design and deliver large-scale, awe-inspiring drone light shows that mesmerise audiences and transform events into unforgettable spectacles. From lighting up the River Thames for London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations to creating a dazzling aerial performance for Eurovision, our shows push the boundaries of innovation and creativity.
As event organisers and brands look for cutting-edge, sustainable alternatives to more traditional fireworks and laser displays, drone technology is rapidly gaining popularity. Understanding the investment behind a drone show means considering various factors, from intricate choreography and bespoke animations to the scale of production and technical requirements.
Understanding the investment required for such a spectacle involves considering various factors that influence the overall cost.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Drone Show
Several key elements determine the pricing of a drone show:
- Complexity of Animations: Custom animations that tell a unique story or incorporate detailed designs demand extensive planning and creative development, influencing the cost. The more intricate or 3D the imagery, the more creative development and animation time required. Shows such as that which we did for Disney for example, where key character recreation in drone animation is required, needs more time to create than say a logo show for a well-known 2D brand such as Nike.
- Location: Performing in remote or challenging locations may necessitate additional logistical planning, travel, and accommodation for the team, affecting the overall cost.
- Number of Drones: The scale of the display is directly proportional to the number of drones utilised. Larger shows with more drones create intricate and expansive visuals but come at a higher cost.
- Show Duration: While a single drone swarm has a flight time of approximately 8-10 minutes, extending the show’s length requires deploying multiple swarms sequentially (such as our ticketed shows like A Christmas Carol which is 45 minutes in length), which can increase the overall expense.
- Customisation: Tailoring the show to include specific themes, logos or messages involves additional creative resources and time, contributing to the cost.
Typical Price Ranges For A Drone Show
At Celestial, we specialise in large-scale drone light shows, with our services starting at £25,000 + VAT for pre-existing wedding shows within the UK. This entry-level option offers a stunning aerial display that adds a unique touch to your special day.
For more elaborate events, such as corporate gatherings, brand launches or public festivals, the investment increases in line with the show’s scale and complexity.
These bespoke performances are designed to create a lasting impression, with pricing reflecting custom animation, specific requirements of the event and the number of drones required.
Drone Show vs Fireworks: A Cost Comparison
Traditional fireworks have long been a staple of celebrations but drone light shows offer a modern and eco-friendly alternative. While the initial investment for a drone show may be higher than a standard fireworks display, several factors contribute to their overall value.
Unlike fireworks, drones produce minimal environmental impact, leaving no physical debris or chemical emissions while significantly reducing noise pollution. They also offer a level of customisation that fireworks cannot match, allowing for bespoke animations, logos and messages tailored to specific events.
Additionally, drone shows eliminate the risks associated with explosives, making them a safer option for both organisers and spectators.
For a deeper insight into the environmental benefits of drone shows, take a look at our article on The Rise of Drone Shows on Bonfire Night.
Are Drone Shows Worth the Investment?
A drone light show is an investment that delivers multiple benefits beyond just entertainment. The unique visual spectacle creates a memorable experience, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
For corporate events, a drone show can serve as a powerful branding tool, setting a company apart by showcasing innovation and a commitment to sustainability. Their versatility allows them to be tailored to different themes and occasions, making them suitable for a wide range of events.
Choosing a drone show also demonstrates environmental responsibility, which resonates with increasingly eco-conscious audiences looking for sustainable event solutions.
How To Get A Quote For A Drone Show
Embarking on the journey to create a mesmerising drone light display with Celestial involves a structured process to ensure a seamless experience:
1. Desktop Site Survey
- The client provides a Google aerial map view of the proposed location for the show and its audience.
- Celestial responds with an augmented map view detailing possible takeoff locations, the drone takeoff grid, the flight volume and the required sterile area surrounding it (KML document).
2. Onsite Survey
- Schedule an in-person technical site survey
- Celestial shares logistics and technical details with you post-survey, including a minimal the production rider
3. Creative Development
- Work with our Creative Production and Animation teams to develop the show’s creative.
- Approval of script and soundbed.
- Approval of storyboard.
- Approval of 3D animation.
- Sharing of a digital pre-visualisation link to preview the show.
4. Deployment
- (Optional) Demo flight at our airfield in Somerset – available at an additional cost. NB Celestial is the only UK based drone show company with drones and pilots located in the UK, plus our own private airfield for client demo flights
- Travel, battery charging, and setup.
- Onsite technical testing – a small number of drones tested in location hours prior to showtime.
- Showtime – Production and Operations teams deploy the show on location.
- Pack down and travel.
To begin crafting an unforgettable drone light show for your next event, get in touch today and let Celestial bring your vision to life.
