WA Day: Biggest drone show to light up sky over Swan River

An orchestra of lights from 500 dancing drones will tell the story of our State as part of Monday’s WA Day Festival.

Set to a WA-themed soundtrack, the State’s biggest drone show will light up the night sky over the Swan River from 6.45pm to 7.15 pm.

Another highlight of this year’s festival will be a celebration of the Wadjuk Noongar history in four animated short films telling the Dreamtime stories of WA and the Wadjuk Noongar people.

Designed for children and families, the films will be an immersive experience using light, colour and sound inside a domed tent.

Based on Theresa Walley’s picture books, each story will feature the animated artwork of her granddaughter Biara Martin. They will be narrated by Danny Ford. The experience will give spectators an intimate “yarning round the campfire” feel in experiencing the wonder of the Dreamtime stories.

Audience sensations will also be enhanced by projections of animated flora and fauna on each side of the tent. Speakers will be used to immerse spectators in a soundscape of crickets, breezes through grass, native birds, distant thunder and magpie calls.

Celebrate WA chairman Michael Anghie said Monday was an opportunity to look forward with optimism.

“The past two years have demonstrated Western Australians are resilient and adaptable,” he said. “While the challenges are not over, we do believe we are headed towards a more positive future, and WA Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this.

“The drone lightshow will be spectacular, the largest seen in our State, allowing us to come together to celebrate in a way that is safe and accessible for all.”

The drone show, produced by Perth company Drone Sky Shows, includes screen content and music that will be broadcast from the festival grounds in Burswood Parklands. Organisers recommend people come early to get the best viewing positions.

The festival grounds will host family-friendly events from midday.

Entertainment and attractions include a giant silent disco, roaming entertainers, a community stage filled with talent, more than 60 food trucks, 16 carnival rides and games, plus more than 20 activations from Scitech, WA Museum, Lotterywest, HBF, Channel 7, Nova and others.

Celebrate WA board member Fiona Kalaf said that the drone show, the live music and other festival events were free.

Last year’s WA Day Festival was affected by COVID restrictions that limited audience numbers for bands and prohibited dancing.

But the top line-up of WA bands would be able to play to full and dancing crowds on Monday, Ms Kalaf said.

“As we know, the arts and entertainment sector has really been hit hard by the pandemic, she said. “So we’re really thrilled that we’re able to support WA music. There’s such great acts that have come out of WA and we’ve got pretty much all the headliners performing — Birds of Tokyo, Eskimo Joe and Jebediah.”

Regional WA and other centres across the State will also mark WA Day with community celebrations.

Port Hedland residents will get to experience the same drone light show on Saturday, June 11.