Over at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground this month, a festive event of a very different kind is taking place. Narrated by Matt Lucas, the classic Dickens tale A Christmas Carol will be told through a spectacular display of colourful drones lighting up the sky. But what on earth goes into planning this kind of event? We spoke to John Hopkins, Founder & CEO at Celestial, to find out more…
The upcoming Christmas Carol show you have coming up in Nottingham looks like a spectacular event. Can you tell us a little more about it?
Celestial’s A Christmas Carol drone show skilfully blends tradition with innovation. It reimagines Charles Dickens’ beloved tale with dazzling visuals created by synchronised drones, all set against a stunning winter backdrop - the night sky. Accompanied by narration from the incredible Matt Lucas, audiences can expect a magical journey through Scrooge’s transformation, featuring vibrant imagery of the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. It’s designed to be a heartwarming and unforgettable festive experience.
Drone shows are really taking off in the entertainment industry recently, but for many this show will be their first experience of this artform. Can you talk a little about how drone technology has emerged and how Celestial began working with drones creatively and for entertainment?
Drone technology has advanced rapidly in the last decade, evolving from simple flying gadgets to sophisticated tools capable of precise and creative applications. At Celestial, we saw an opportunity to merge art and technology, using drones as "digital fireworks" to tell purpose driven stories in the sky. Our journey began with a desire to create sustainable, visually stunning experiences, and we’ve worked tirelessly to refine this unique medium into a true artform.
There seems to be incredible precision in the execution of a show like this. How much work goes into it and is everything perfectly pre-timed?
A great deal of work goes into each performance. It starts with scripting and storyboarding the visuals, then programming each drone’s movements and testing the choreography extensively in simulation software. Everything is pre-timed to the millisecond, from the drones’ flight paths to the accompanying music, ground lighting and narration. This precision ensures that each element aligns perfectly, creating a seamless and awe-inspiring experience. We continuously push the boundaries from an innovation perspective and are the only drone show company in the UK to be able to fully rehearse shows at our own flight base in Somerset, fondly referred to as ‘The Hive’.
Considering they can be silent and don’t emit particles or litter into the environment, drones are said to be a cleaner and greener alternative to fireworks - do you think they will one day replace fireworks altogether?
While fireworks will likely always have their place in certain celebrations, drones offer a compelling alternative that is safer, more sustainable and infinitely customisable. As awareness grows and technology becomes even more advanced, we believe drone shows could eventually become the go-to choice for environmentally conscious entertainment.
Would it be correct to say we are still in the early days of creating art with drones in this way, and what do you think the future of such shows might be like?
Absolutely, we’re still in the infancy of this artform. The future is incredibly exciting - imagine integrating augmented reality, interactive elements, and even larger swarms that fly for even longer. As technology progresses, we see potential for even more immersive storytelling that inspires audiences in ways we can only begin to imagine now.
What kind of training would someone need to start working professionally with drone shows?
Working with drone shows requires a mix of skillsets, including animation, piloting, production and programming. Formal training for licensed drone pilots is essential in line with the Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) stipulated qualifications, this encompasses learning both variants of drone piloting, which includes being competent in delivering both singular and swarm based drone deployments. In addition to this a knowledge of swarm programming, 3D design and animation is highly valuable. Many roles also require an artistic eye, so experience in creative fields such as visual effects or motion design can be a big advantage.
Back to the event - your previous performance in Nottingham told the story of evolution, which sounds a bit more abstract than a classic 180 year old novel. What was it like adapting a Dickens story through lights?
Adapting A Christmas Carol was a wonderful challenge. Dickens’ story is so iconic that it gave us a rich foundation to build upon. Our aim was to translate its timeless themes into striking visual moments - like Scrooge’s journey through the spectral visits - with drones acting as characters and scenery. The narrative’s structure lent itself beautifully to visual storytelling, allowing us to stay faithful while exploring creative interpretations through light and movement.
As technology progresses, we see potential for even more immersive storytelling that inspires audiences in ways we can only begin to imagine now
You have quite the narrator for this show - Little Britain’s Matt Lucas - how did he get involved and what was it like working with him?
Matt Lucas was an absolute delight to work with. We wanted a narrator who could bring warmth, humour and gravitas to this timeless tale, and Matt was the perfect choice. His expressive voice added an extra layer of charm and engagement to the show. He was enthusiastic about the project from the start, and his performance truly elevated the experience for audiences.
Witness Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic come to life in the night sky at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December. To book tickets, head to yuup.com
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