As Guernsey commemorates 80 years since its Liberation from German Occupation, the island’s first public drone show will be staged above North Beach car park.
Sponsored by Butterfield, 150 drones will illuminate the skies above St Peter Port at 21:00, in a fusion of technology, art and storytelling, celebrating the island’s history, resilience and liberation.
The 10-minute show has been uniquely designed for the celebrations by the Liberation Day organising team at the States of Guernsey and will see the drones launching from North Beach.
George from Flightshows has been in the island ahead of Liberation Day, getting everything ready for tomorrow’s show.
Deputy Sue Aldwell, Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, said she’s very excited for the drone show which is a first for the island.
“This modern performance facilitated by new technology unlocks a completely different way to come together and reflect on our unique past. We wanted to bring something special to this year’s event to recognise the significance of the 80th anniversary and which will be enjoyed by people of all ages.
A stirring selection of music from five larger works, selected by Jean Owen, will be knitted together to accompany the display, heightening the audience experience.
“We wanted to ensure the music would be recognisable as well as fit with the images that had been chosen,” said Ms Owen.
“I thought of a number of pieces quite quickly and then had to work out if there were obvious places we could make cuts to fit the timings.
“The show will open Copeland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and includes Holst’s Jupiter…the music celebrates freedom and is complemented by the symbolism of a firebird, which is set free at the end of the ballet and is widely thought to symbolise hope to common people after suffering trials first.”
Richard Saunders, Butterfield’s Managing Director in Guernsey said he is really pleased they can put on this event for the island to enjoy.
“Each year the Liberation Day fireworks have always been a stand-out finale. So, to see 150 drones lighting up the sky this year creating what is sure to be an emotional performance to Jean’s selection of music above St Peter Port is going to be a wonderful addition on a memorable day. We are pleased to be able to contribute to the Liberation celebrations and do our part to support the community.”
The drone show will be followed immediately by the traditional fireworks display which will be fired from La Vallette and mark as the traditional finale to the day’s festivities.
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