Transforming the night sky and the future of entertainment

In an era where traditional marketing struggles to cut through the noise, innovative brand activation strategies are key to capturing audience attention, fostering lasting connections and tapping into emotional engagement.

One such ground-breaking approach is the use of drone light shows, a medium that not only pushes the boundaries of creative expression but also represents an unforgettable way to engage with audiences. The marriage of technology, music, film, and storytelling allows us to craft unique, emotive experiences that evoke a sense of awe and wonder.

Drones have evolved into instruments of artistic expression, using LED light to transform the night sky into a canvas for mesmerising displays. Each drone in Celestial’s flock is programmed to follow a meticulously choreographed routine, creating epic imagery against the backdrop of the night sky.

As consumers seek new experiences and new forms of entertainment, drone light shows witnessed a 50% year-over-year increase in 2023 (Source: Google Trends). Unlike fireworks, which are renowned for their environmental impact, drone light shows provide a sustainable alternative.

At Celestial, we’re excited to be working in a world that wishes to move away from traditional firework displays and towards a greener solution with a lower carbon footprint; drones. As we see an increasingly hybrid approach, where drones are appearing alongside fireworks, we’re pioneering drone light shows as a form of entertainment exclusively, as demonstrated with our recent Evolution shows in the UK.

In the vast sea of marketing campaigns, drone light shows offer brands a distinctive and unforgettable connection with their audiences. The shows provide a clear, compelling message that stands out against more traditional marketing channels, drawing attention with their novelty and visual impact, as exemplified by our most recent brand collaboration with Samsung, where we flew over 550 drones across the London skyline to launch the new Galaxy AI mobile phone.

This year, Celestial aims to redefine entertainment by presenting captivating shows, ground-breaking innovation, and compelling reasons for audiences to gather at events. Evolving technology will allow for real-time interaction between humans and choreographed drone displays, opening enchanting avenues for storytelling. At the forefront of a movement where brands aim for both innovation and environmentally friendly solutions, Celestial’s commitment to sustainability and storytelling through drone light shows, aligns with the industry’s appetite for change.

Drone light shows represent a new era in the live events and entertainment industries, as exemplified by our shows for Eurovision 2023, The Secret Garden Party festival, Greenpeace and London New Year’s Eve 2022. In an era where immersive and experiential events are on the rise, brands can engage audiences actively, capitalising on the increasing demand for interactive moments. Through collaboration with world-class talent and the fusion of our unique capabilities — storytelling, filmmaking, animation — with innovative technology, Celestial solidifies its role as a global leader in drone art technology, driving both innovation and the future of entertainment.

Tony Martin is cofounder and CEO at the industry-leading drone show art company Celestial.