The highly anticipated drone show at Vivid Sydney has been cancelled, organisers announced on Tuesday, citing safety concerns after a technical malfunction during a test flight. The show, which was scheduled to feature hundreds of drones over Darling Harbour, was called off after some drones behaved unpredictably.
Safety First
Vivid Sydney organisers said the decision was made to prioritise public safety. 'During a routine test, we observed some drones deviating from their programmed flight paths. While no injuries occurred, we cannot take any risks with the public's safety,' a spokesperson said. The cancellation comes just days before the festival's opening night.
Technical Malfunction
The malfunction involved a software glitch that caused a small number of drones to lose communication with the central control system. Although the drones were safely landed, the incident raised concerns about the reliability of the technology under live conditions. Organisers are working with the drone operator to investigate the issue.
- The drone show was a highlight of Vivid Sydney 2026.
- It was expected to attract thousands of spectators to Darling Harbour.
- Other Vivid events, including light installations and music performances, will proceed as planned.
This is not the first time a drone show has faced technical difficulties. In 2024, a similar show in Brisbane was cancelled after drones collided mid-air. The industry has since implemented stricter safety protocols, but challenges remain.
Impact on Festival
The cancellation is a blow to Vivid Sydney, which relies on innovative technology to draw crowds. However, organisers emphasised that the festival's core attractions remain unaffected. 'We have a fantastic program of lights, music, and ideas. The drone show was just one element,' the spokesperson added.
Ticket holders for the drone show will receive full refunds. The festival runs from May 27 to June 18 across Sydney's CBD.
