Dozens of drones suddenly fell from the sky into Sydney Harbour during a major light festival after a technical malfunction disrupted the aerial display, startling crowds gathered near the waterfront.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES NEWS
Nearly 90 drones crashed into Darling Harbour during a popular light show at the annual Vivid Sydney festival after what organisers described as an unexpected technical failure.
Videos circulating online showed dozens of illuminated drones suddenly dropping from the night sky into the harbour waters near large crowds gathered to watch the performance.
Festival organisers said the incident happened on Monday evening during the “Star-Bound” drone show, which featured up to 1,000 drones performing synchronised aerial movements above Cockle Bay.
According to UK-based drone company Skymagic, 89 drones were affected after an “unforeseen change in the radio frequency environment” disrupted positional accuracy shortly after take-off.
The company said the drones activated automatic failsafe landing procedures, causing them to descend into the water within designated safety boundaries.
Witnesses described hearing loud crashing sounds as some drones struck the wharf and marina area.
“The sound of them crashing onto the cement was huge even from a distance,” a harbour worker told Australia’s national broadcaster ABC.
Organisers confirmed that no injuries were reported and said several upcoming drone performances have been cancelled while authorities and technical teams conduct a full investigation.
A spokesperson for Vivid Sydney apologised to visitors for the disruption and disappointment caused by the malfunction.
The annual festival, held in Sydney since 2009, attracts millions of local and international visitors with large-scale light installations, music events and digital art displays across the city.
Drone shows were introduced as part of the festival programme in 2024 and quickly became one of the event’s biggest attractions.
