Sky’s the limit FOR FUTURE CELEBRATIONS
BY LLOYD GORMAN
Photo credit Allen Kiely
TOURISM IRELAND’S GREENING PROJECT STARTED 12 YEARS AGO AND IN THAT TIME HAS SEEN SOME VERY IMPRESSIVE LANDMARKS – SUCH AS NIAGARA FALLS – BRILLIANTLY BATHED IN IRISH GREEN. There is no fear of the project running out of steam or new ideas, as the organisers proved in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day when 500 drones were used to mount an incredible light show – called the ‘Orchestra of Light’ – in the skies above Dublin. The swarm of drones were programmed to produced symbols of Ireland’s world-famous traditional music and dance culture, Celtic art and modern images of Ireland and of course a message wishing the world A Happy St. Patrick’s Day. At a time when – for the second time in a row – the country could not turn out and enjoy the occasion this stunning light show was inspired and something that – at least some lucky people living in Dublin – would have been able to watch from through their windows. But the rest of us can also draw some enjoyment from it - Google the name or ‘500 drones Dublin’ and you will find the video. 12 | THE IRISH SCENE
It may only be the second time a light show like this was produced (the first time may have been for New Years Eve 2020 in Singapore, just as COVID-19 was unfolding as a global crisis) but it would be surprising if it was the last. The technology involved is already well advanced and the drones can obviously be well coordinated, but there is no reason why a thousand drones with even more lights and capabilities could not lay on an even bigger show. Forget fireworks (which can be environmentally damaging and drive pets crazy), this could become the new standard by which big public events are celebrated. Planners for events to mark Perth’s bicentennial in 2029 are looking for big ideas to mark the occasion. Why not a drone show that writes the story of WA’s capital in the sky, from its ancient Aboriginal origins to its future ambitions?
