Drone Show Guide
The ultimate guide to Drone Light Shows from FlightShows
When booking a drone show there are lots of things to think about. Working through our short guide will help you decide just what you need for a drone show and how to take the next steps forward in developing a show.
Where can I have a drone show?
Drone light shows can be held at various locations, from open fields and stadiums to urban environments and festivals. We can tailor our setups to suit a wide range of venues, as long as the location meets specific safety and operational requirements. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, large or small, we can work with you to ensure the perfect setting for your show. Just get in touch to discuss your event’s location and we’ll guide you through the process!
We offer free site assessments to help you determine the best location for your event.
How many drones do I need?
Working out how many drones usually comes down to two factors – the detail of the shapes you want to create and the budget available for the project.
During an initial meeting, we can work through a range of options to make sure your event is as spectacular as possible.
The animations below give an example of how more drones affect the images and shapes.
100 drones
Ideal for simple 2D shapes and basic logos. Text is possible but may be limited in detail and clarity.
300 drones
Great for more detailed logos, clearer text, and shapes with a sense of depth.
500 drones
Enables intricate designs, larger formations, and impressive animations with high visibility.
1,000 drones
Delivers breathtaking displays with incredible detail, lifelike animations, and the ability to tell complex visual stories.
How long does it take to plan a drone show?
The process of creating a display could anywhere from 2 days to several months, depending on the complexity of the show and the number of amendments required.
2-3 months is the ideal lead-time for a custom show as it allows time for creative meetings and revisions to ensure your drone show is as perfect as you imagine.
Each country requires giving notice to other aviators and the time on this varies from country to country.
Can I have logos and words in my show?
Yes! Words and logos often make up a section of our shows.
When looking at logos, you need to consider how intricate the shape may be, as more detailed shapes will need to be larger and use more drones. We can offer guidance on this and share our knowledge of what works best.
What else do I need for a drone show?
There is more to a drone show than the drones. Usually a show is set to music, so a PA system capable of reproducing the soundtrack for your audience would be required. Other infrastructure such as power, fencing and security would need to be provided.
What if I'm near an airport or no fly zone?
No problem! Good communication is key – and we will handle all of this. We will work closely with airports or other restricted areas to notify them of our planned operation and stay in radio or telephone contact with Air Traffic Control if required. Read more here.
How does the weather affect a drone show?
Our aircraft are built to fly in the UK climate!
We have heavily invested in drones that can fly in winds of up to 45km/h and even in the rain. However, we do have strict weather limits that we can safely fly in but they are high enough that the audience will usually be put off by the weather before we are!
We ensure contingency days are built into our planning and will discuss options in the case of adverse weather.
How much does a drone light show cost?
The cost of a drone light display is mainly based on the number of drones required and number of nights flown.
- Our bespoke outdoor drone shows start at £29,500.
- Our wedding package starts at £6,500.
- Our indoor drone shows start at £4,000.
We’re happy to discuss your specific requirements and help tailor a show to fit your event and budget.
Can I have lasers or fireworks with a show?
Yes! We can work alongside other technical elements such as fireworks, lasers, stage lighting, sound and video. We use Timecode so that our performances are in perfect sync with any other elements.
How long is a drone light show?
Based on our experience, a 10-minute drone show tends to be the sweet spot, offering a captivating display without losing audience engagement. However, we can easily adjust the duration to suit your event’s needs, extending or shortening the show as appropriate. Whether you’re looking for a quick, impactful display or a longer, more immersive experience, we’ll tailor the timing to fit your vision.
Are drone light shows safe?
Yes, drone shows are safe when carried out by experienced providers who follow strict safety protocols. At FlightShows, safety is our top priority. We implement redundancy in hardware, rigorous maintenance schedules, and geofencing technology to ensure every show is safe and reliable. Our drones are built to withstand challenging weather conditions, and we work closely with local authorities to ensure legal compliance.
By prioritising safety at every step, we deliver dazzling displays that audiences can enjoy with confidence.
Can I have a show indoors?
Yes, drone shows can be performed indoors with the right equipment and careful planning.
At FlightShows, we use specially adapted indoor drones that rely on advanced sensors and optical systems instead of GPS. These drones are lightweight, highly manoeuvrable, and safe for confined spaces. Indoor shows are ideal for creating intimate and visually stunning displays in venues like arenas, theatres, or exhibition halls, where weather is not a factor.
Our team ensures the safety and coordination of every aspect for a seamless indoor performance.
Do I need a license for a drone show?
We handle all the necessary aviation-related permissions and paperwork. At FlightShows, we ensure that every show complies with local regulations, working closely with aviation authorities and managing the process from start to finish so you can focus on your event.
Can I work with you?
Absolutely! You can work with FlightShows in several ways:
- Join Our Team: Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, we’re always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our crew as we rapidly expand.
- Collaborate as a Supplier: We love working with talented partners in projection mapping, lighting, and other event technologies to create unforgettable shows.
- Work with Agencies: We welcome agencies interested in white-labelling our services to provide drone shows as part of their offerings.
We value strong relationships and look forward to working with those who share our passion for innovation and excellence. Get in touch to explore opportunities!
Book your drone show
Let's tell a story in the stars!
To find out more about booking a drone show for your event fill out the form below. The more information you can provide, the easier it is to tailor a response for you.