The Summer Nights Drone Show made its debut on Saturday night, after COVID-19 woes grounded the flagship Melbourne event just days before New Year’s Eve.
Best seen from Harbour Esplanade, the colourful lights display features 350 sparkling drones that work together to create images representing Melbourne.
The eight-minute show will be held twice a night – at 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm – until January 30, weather conditions permitting.
“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,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said ahead of the event’s launch.
“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 highly-anticipated event was funded through the $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund, a partnership between Council and the state government to inject life back into the CBD and support local businesses.
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.
“We’re incredibly excited to be delivering another landmark show that pulls together so many creative threads,” co-founder and CEO of Celestial, Tony Martin, said.
“The end result will be like nothing seen in Australia.”
Each show will be accompanied by one of two evocative poetry soundscapes.
Until January 24, spectators will hear Melbourne, Feel the Sound, a poem about emerging into our lives again and rediscovering Melbourne, by local Italo-Australian artist and winner of the National Poetry Slam 2020, Ren Alessandra.
From January 25 to 30, audiences will witness the Wurundjeri creation story of How The Platypus (Dulai Wurrung) Was Made come to life, told and illustrated by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung woman, Mandy Nicholson.
The former of the two celebrated artists “cried with pride” as she watched her work come to life for the first time on Saturday night.
“Hundreds of people clapped along the esplanade when it ended, and for all of us who were a part of this, that was really something,” she said.
Ren Alessandra. (Photo supplied)
The granddaughter of Italian migrants from Abruzzo and Lazio, Alessandra said it was a “humbling” experience to be selected to write a poem for the event.
“I’m still emerging as an artist and being shortlisted in the first place was such an honour,” the 28-year-old added.
“As an artist, it’s so fantastic to know that my art is reaching people and that people are moved by what I have to offer.
“To have the City of Melbourne want to work with me was so affirming.”
The talented spoken word artist explained that she wanted to create a poem that was about being reflective, while also looking forward and getting back in touch with what Melbourne has to offer.
“The poem is very much about reconnecting with the beautiful city that is Melbourne and revitalising the understanding of what it means to live in this city,” she said.
“I really want people to feel connected and to feel love – love for themselves, for others and for our city.”
In the event that poor weather prevents the Summer Nights Drone Show from going ahead, a cancellation notice will be posted on the What’s On website.
The City of Melbourne recommends spectators be fully vaccinated and wear a face mask outdoors where physical distancing cannot take place. Those with COVID-19 symptoms or awaiting a test result should stay home.
