150 drones will take to the skies over St Peter Port for the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day.
Celebrations of Guernsey's freedom from German Occupation during WWII will culminate with a spectacular ten minute light show - a first for the island.
We're told the drones will tell the story of Guernsey's history, resilience and liberation to a soundtrack selected by local composer Jean Owen.
The display will start at 9pm on Friday 9 May, with the drones launching from North Beach.
Organisers, the Education Sport and Culture committee, say it will provide a memorable and modern twist to the traditional celebrations ahead of the usual fireworks display.
Choreographed by FlightShows, a leading provider of aerial light displays, it will be the first public drone display staged in Guernsey
Deputy Sue Aldwell says ESC wanted to bring something special for people of all ages to this year's event, and have been supported by a local bank.
“I would like to thank Butterfield for their support in offering the community a shared moment of reflection and celebration with this remarkable tribute that, literally, reaches new heights. This modern performance facilitated by new technology unlocks a completely different way to come together and reflect on our unique past."
Jean Owen, who has arranged the musical accompaniment for the show, said:
“We wanted to ensure the music would be recognisable as well as fit with the images that had been chosen. 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 with the stirring melody of ‘I vow to thee my country’. Stravinsky’s Firebird might not be on everyone’s playlist, but the drama and excitement of the music makes a fitting conclusion for the final images.
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.”
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