January drone show set to light up Docklands

A spectacular drone swarm will transform the skies above Victoria Harbour this January, helping to reignite the Docklands precinct and support local businesses.   

​Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the much-anticipated drone show will run twice a night from Saturday 15 January, and feature 350 individual drones.      

“This is your chance to get down to Docklands and enjoy the first ever drone show in Melbourne,” the Lord Mayor said.   

“The drone swarm has been expertly choreographed to create an incredible show – featuring a unique series of images representing Melbourne and accompanied by special compositions.” 

“This is an entirely free event, and I would encourage everyone to book a local venue or sit along the harbour and enjoy the show. 

“Docklands provides an ideal venue with plenty of outdoor space to deliver this display safely – please remember to wear a mask and socially distance as required.”   

The unique aerial display has been developed by internationally renowned drone art company Celestial, which delivered Edinburgh’s 2020 New Year drone display, as well as a drone art creation for Amnesty International’s 60th anniversary. 

Each show will be accompanied by one of two compositions – the first by Victorian poet Renn Alessandra is about reconnecting with each other and the city. The second, ‘How The Platypus (Dulai Wurrung) Was Made’ is told and illustrated by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung artist Mandy Nicholson.  

Following the delayed commencement due to operational delays caused by COVID-19, the drone show will run until Sunday 30 January. 

“While the cancellation of the New Year’s Eve drone event was disappointing, we can’t wait to stun crowds and support local businesses with this breathtaking display throughout January,” the Lord Mayor said. 

Co-founder and Celestial CEO Tony Martin said his team has established a base in Melbourne and have all the equipment they need to deliver the show safely over the coming weeks.  

“We are incredibly excited to be delivering another landmark show that pulls together so many creative threads. The end result will be like nothing seen in Australia,” Mr Martin said.  

“For us, this is the starting point for the journey to establish our Australian business – hiring talented people from the aviation, creative, technology, and events sectors. 

“We want to create a world class team to mirror the huge talents in our UK team. We see Melbourne as home from home and essential to our southern hemisphere business going forward.”  

The drone show will take place every night from Saturday 15 January until 30 January. Shows will take place at approximately 9.30pm and 10.30pm and run for eight minutes.  

We strongly encourage everyone attending to be fully vaccinated and wear a face mask outdoors where physical distancing is not possible. Please stay home if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, are awaiting a test result or have been asked to self-isolate.  

Tickets are not required, and shows will only go ahead if weather conditions are suitable. Visit What’s On for updates.  

The drone show is being delivered through the $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund – a joint partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.

/Public Release. View in full here.