Technical issues force cancellation of centrepiece light festival event

Drones raining down from the sky in central Sydney have caused a pause in one of the flagship events of Vivid, the festival of lights.

Monday’s “Star-Bound” drone show at 9:30pm was canceled due to “unforeseen technical difficulties” during the 7:30pm show.

“We apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience caused to participants,” a Vivid Sydney spokesperson said in a statement.

“Public safety is always the number one priority and a full assessment is currently underway with expert operators and relevant government agencies advising on next steps,” they added.

The 9.30pm event was canceled and Tuesday and Wednesday night shows were canceled due to a technical and safety review.

Organizers warned that the drone show was “weather dependent” and that conditions would be closely monitored on Monday to determine whether it could go ahead before the event.

A drone show over the Opera House at the 2023 Vivid festival.James Brickwood

Vivid had planned its biggest ever drone series this year after shows were canceled in 2025 on the advice of police and transport authorities following possible crowding around Circular Quay in 2024.

The drone display at Darling Harbor was planned to take place over two nights between Sunday and Wednesday, with a total of 22 shows over 11 nights throughout the weeks-long festival. At least five of these programs are planned to be canceled.

The displays feature up to 1,000 drones hovering over the harbor for eight to 12 minutes.

“We’ve secured the latest in drone technology to ensure these are the brightest drones in the world,” said Brett Sheehy, Vivid’s new director. reporter In March.