Live events: Drone shows continue to expand what's possible
In the past year, the technology and scale drone light shows have grown exponentially, creating ever-more mesmerising spectacles worldwide.
www.iseurope.orgHere are the latest updates on Vivid drone shows:
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Sydney: Vivid Sydney 2026 featured a large-scale drone display with more than 1,000 drones lighting up the sky, marking the return of drone shows after a hiatus due to safety concerns. The festival ran from late May to mid-June 2026 with 22 shows across 11 nights, and the drone segments were relocated to Darling Harbour to manage crowds more effectively. [Source coverage from The Guardian and ABC News reported the 2026 drone show as a highlight of Vivid Sydney, noting the 1,000-drone display and the festival’s safety-focused planning.][2][3]
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Context on earlier years: The drone shows at Vivid Sydney were canceled in 2024 due to crowd safety concerns, with 2025 also experiencing changes and cost considerations, leading to a temporary removal from the lineup. The 2026 edition revived the spectacle with enhanced safety measures and funding support from the New South Wales government. [ABC News summary of safety concerns and subsequent funding; 9 News coverage also referenced prior cancellations and safety costs.][6][7][2]
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Additional perspectives: Media outlets highlighted Vivid Sydney’s shift toward daytime activities and broader programming, with drones forming a key nighttime feature in a larger, safety-conscious festival plan. The event emphasized collaboration with police and emergency services to ensure safe viewing experiences. [Yahoo Australia article on daytime attractions and safety-first approach; 9 News overview of government planning.][4][6]
If you’re specifically looking for Vivid drone show updates in Prague or elsewhere, please note that Vivid is an Australian festival tradition, and I didn’t find current reports of a Vivid drone show operating there as of May 2026. If you’d like, I can search for more regional drone-light shows or provide a concise recap of the Sydney edition’s key features and safety measures.