Is a fireworks display or a drone show pricier, more eco-friendly, and more appealing? - Which one is costlier, more eco-friendly, and offers a superior display – fireworks or drone shows?
In the heart of the summer season, festivals across Rhineland-Palatinate grapple with a dilemma: to include fireworks or switch to a modern alternative such as drone shows. The traditional fireworks displays, particularly amid the ongoing drought, have sparked concerns for the environment and the safety of flora and fauna.
This year, the traditional Midsummer's Night celebration in Mainz will forgo fireworks and instead present a music-accompanied drone show. The cost for this change is approximately double the original fireworks budget. On the other hand, "Rhein in Flames" in Koblenz will add a drone show to their traditional fireworks, marking the first time this technology has been incorporated into their event.
The Bund for Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) presses for the cancellation of fireworks displays at the Schiersteiner Harbor Festival in Wiesbaden due to the highly sensitive location. The harbor borders an EU bird protection area and a nature reserve. In comparison, Frankfurt Museum Embankment Festival plans to end with a large fireworks display, as a light show has only been featured at major special events thus far, according to the city.
Fireworks are known for their detrimental effect on the environment, as they produce waste and toxic substances like perchlorate, contributing to soil, water, and air pollution. These substances can be absorbed by plants, animals, and humans. The fireworks industry, however, argues that the impact is minimal, pointing out that the substances are dissolved quickly in water.
Drones, on the other hand, require a substantial budget for a compelling show. Thomas Fischer, managing director of Beisel Pyrotechnik in Wiesloch, estimates that a 50 to 100 drone show quickly becomes monotonous, and organizers often find a 5,000 to 10,000-drone spectacle unaffordable. As a result, most events opt for traditional fireworks considering the increasing costs associated with organizing cultural events.
Stefan Weil, creative director and managing director of Atelier Markgraph, suggests a blend of drones and traditional fireworks for a remarkable show. Drones can project symbols, logos, and messages into the sky, complementing the visual impact of pyrotechnics. However, for an impactful light show, a suitable backdrop is needed, which not every city possesses.
Besides the cost, the use of drones raises concerns about their suitability in adverse weather conditions and their environmental impact during production. Nevertheless, drone shows have been promoted as a greener and quieter alternative to fireworks, reducing carbon emissions by 87% compared to pyrotechnics. Moreover, drones create substantially less noise pollution, making them suitable for wildlife and urban environments.
In a study on the market growth of drone light shows, it is projected that the industry will expand significantly, growing from $0.34 billion in 2024 to $2.63 billion by 2033.
- In the face of mounting concerns about the environmental impact of traditional fireworks and their detrimental effects on the environment, various communities in Rhineland-Palatinate are debating the adoption of modern alternatives, such as drone shows, in their employment policies.
- One area of potential growth within the science sector is environmental-science, with advancements in technology, like drones, playing a crucial role in promoting health-and-wellness and minimizing pollution.
- As the market for drone light shows expands in the future, the lifestyle in urban environments may witness a shift towards more eco-friendly and quiet entertainment options, aligning with the principles of a progressive community policy.
