Drone Show for 80th Liberation Anniversary

As Guernsey commemorates 80 years since its occupation and liberation, the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture has announced a special drone performance, sponsored by Butterfield, the on-island bank and trust company offering financial products to meet local needs. 

150 drones will illuminate the skies above St Peter Port, celebrating the island’s history, resilience and liberation through pictures. A stirring selection of music from five larger works, selected by Jean Owen, will be knitted together to accompany the drone images and heighten the experience. 

The display, choreographed by FlightShows, a leading provider of aerial light displays who have performed the most drone shows in the UK, will be the first public display staged in Guernsey.  

The 10-minute show will provide a memorable and modern twist to the traditional celebrations of Guernsey’s Liberation Day, with the drones launching from North Beach. 

‘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.’ said Jean Owen. 

‘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’.’ she added. ‘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.’ 

Richard Saunders, Butterfield’s Managing Director in Guernsey said: ‘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. I’m hoping it will be the perfect sign off to the celebrations across the island and I hope everyone enjoys the show.’ 

Deputy Sue Aldwell, Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, said: ‘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.  

‘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.’