Douglas Drone Show by Star Symphony Drone Shows
First ever drone show on the Isle of Man
Hailed as ‘the most popular event ever on the island’
We were honoured to be asked to produce the very first ever drone light show flown on the Isle of Man in Spring 2025. This was a big deal and a special celebration and we knew that we had to produce a drone show that would mesmerise the crowd and bring joy to the thousands that would come out to watch it.
This was also a first for the Isle of Man Civil Aviation Authority, who had never given permission for a drone swarm show to operate in the island’s airspace. Star Symphony Drone Shows has a UK CAA authorisation, but it does not cover activities on the Isle of Man. We worked closely with the IoM CAA in meetings that covered all aspects of flight safety to ensure that this first ever show ran to the same high standards as any UK drone show operated by us.
We also worked very closely with Douglas City Council, to design a show that highlighted lots of familiar locations around the island such as the Laxey Wheel, the Gaiety Theatre, the Tower of Refuge, and the famous Three Legs of Mann.
For a bit of added fun, we even included a nod to the local wallabies who’s population has been increasing rapidly over recent years!
With the Council and working closely with our Isle of Man sound partner ELS an inspiring soundtrack was put together that would compliment the drone display
Animations that were 200 metres long!
The size of some of our drone design was huge
One of the great things about working in beach side or coastal locations, or even alongside lakes or areas that have large amounts of land, is that our drone show designers can make the drone displays absolutely HUGE. At Douglas, our UK based designer created animations that were over 200 metres wide. In fact the name ‘Douglas’ that appears in the photograph at the top of this page is over 200 metres across.
The three-legged Mann image on the right goes up to 120 metres into the air, with the highest drone light appearing at 120 metres and the lowest drone light about 100 metres lower. Whilst some companies will just put a simple image up and make its lights flash, we LOVE animating our drones and this three-legged Mann made of led lights is a great example - as well as lots of moving lights, we turned it into a Catherine wheel and the whole thing started spinning much to the delight of the audience.
The Isle of Man TT is well known around the world as being a set of premier motorcycle races and we gave a big nod to the TT by creating a huge image of the TT race track outline (which is famously raced around the roads of the island) with a rock soundtrack and awesome motorcycling sound effects. Our designer though then created four different coloured lights on the TT track and had them racing around the track representing the motorcycles, and the sophistication of our drone light show design software is so cool, that he was able to make the lights race and even overtake each other.
We also created a huge 150 metre motorcycle doing a wheelie complete with spinning wheels - it really was an awesome show!
Without doubt, one of the biggest rewards was the extremely positive way that the local community received the drone show. Social media was flooded with photographs and video of the really impressive drone display, the first drone show ever on the Isle of Man. The custom iconic design, the wonderful soundtrack and the fun family atmosphere produced an event that has had people talking on the island ever since. For many young families, the excitement was huge and it was great to see what a display drone looked for the first time.
Star Symphony Drone Shows will work with any event organiser to produce a spectacle that tells a story packed with 3D animations and extraordinary drone lights that will leave a lasting memory with your audience. Such a strong way to bring a community together or get a brand or message across. Tens of thousands of people came to Douglas Promenade to watch this first display of light show drone technology on the Isle of Man and we cannot wait to be back.
To see the power of social media and how it can benefit you, just take a moment now to search on Facebook for ‘Douglas Drone Show’ and see how many wonderful photographs, videos and comments have been posted by the local community.
The Star Symphony Drone Shows Douglas City drone light show was featured on the local television news (with thanks to Granada Reports)
Hundreds of light drones are prepared for the big drone light show over Douglas Bay
“I just wanted to put on record the Council’s thanks for delivering the most popular event we’ve ever had on the Island. I’ve never known the public to react so positively, and the Promenade has never been so busy. Please pass on my thanks to your designer again for the wonderful design, and all the team for coming over to deliver it. It’s always a pleasure to work with you and your team.”
“What an amazing brilliant display well done all please please do that again TT week..”
“Absolutely brilliant!!! Loved this, really incredible display, timing & skill”
“Fantastic show. Loved the VE Day tribute, and the wallaby was brilliant. Thank you to the team who made it happen. And the weather was perfect as well!”
“Absolutely brilliant. You’ve got to have another one. Please pass on my appreciation to Star Symphony”
A large amount of the City Centre was eventually closed when the drone show was ready to fly, and was fully supported by the Isle of Man Civil Aviation Authority who were in attendance
Part of the Star Symphony Drone Shows team, welcomed by the City Mayor
You can watch part of the Douglas City Drone Show produced by Star Symphony Drone Shows in 2025 here