During the weekend of Ascension, 1.350 drones took the skies above Geneva to perform the largest drone show ever seen in Europe. The Feu ô Lac Festival attracted 800.000 visitors to the Swiss city, local authorities have confirmed.
Warning: The videos below contain flashing lights.
Over consecutive evenings from May 18 to 21, the local council (Gemeinde) put on a spectacular drone show above Lake Geneva (Lac Leman). 1.350 drones and flares took part in the synchronised displays, flying over Geneva harbour for over 23 minutes while displaying colourful images and symbols as they hovered above the water.
The drone show was put on as part of Feu ô Lac, a free event organised by the local authorities. In explaining why the city had put on such a massive performance, a spokesperson replied that “after the difficult years we have gone through, we want to offer Genevans a moment of relaxation and lightness.”
Video: Nature Technique / YouTube
The drone show was only a part of the festival, with organisers also putting on music and comedy performances alongside a roller disco on Mont Blanc Bridge, a Jass tournament and a soapbox race. A spokesperson told Watson that 800.000 people attended the event, with 300.000 people recorded around the harbour area on Saturday alone.
The spokesperson concluded that the event - mainly financed through private companies - was a huge success. Now, the city has confirmed that it would be more than willing to host the event again in 2024.
Video: Nature Technique / YouTube