A new event – “Light up Macao Drone Gala” – is due to debut on National Day and run for 10 sessions between 1 and 23 October.
According to the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the drone performance will be staged at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm on 1, 3, 9, 16 and 23 October at the Nam Van Lake area and Anim’ Arte NAM VAN. Some 300 drones will light up the sky during each show lasting for 10-15 minutes.
The MGTO said that due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, pyrotechnic teams from overseas have not been able to come to Macao for the city’s annual Firework Display Contest. Therefore, MGTO decided to launch “Light Up Macao Drone Gala” instead.
The drone gala is a visual art extravaganza that uses the evening sky, and “orchestrates a symphony of technology, integrated 2D and 3D design, light and sound effects, resembling a constellation of stars which adorn the city’s night skyline”, according to the MGTO.
MGTO said that it has invited five teams from Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Tianjin to perform 10 sessions of drone formation shows at Nam Van Lake in October. Three of the five teams set world records for the longest drone flight time and the most drones flying simultaneously.
The themes of the performances will be “The Art of Love for Motherland”, “Build Your Dreamland”, “Charm of Macao”, “Embrace Your Journey in Macao” and “Passion for Macao”. All performances will be held in accordance with Covid-19 precautions in place.
The show will be staged twice per night, but spectators can also enjoy the shows live broadcast on TDM – Macao TV Channel (9:30 pm every show night) and TDM Entertainment TV Channel (7:30 pm and 9:30 pm every show night) with the synchronised music streaming on TDM – Radio Macao’s Chinese Channel (FM100.7) every scheduled evening.
The MGTO underlined that from 6-7 pm every show night, vehicle access limits will be imposed along Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van and Avenida Doutor Stanley Ho, adding that from 7-10 pm, road closures (except for authorised vehicles) will be implemented along the vehicle passage adjacent to Nam Van Lake on Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van.
The statement also said that from 7-10 pm every show night, temporary bus stops will be available on Rua do Lago Sai Van and Praça de Jorge Álvares (on the road near New Yaohan Building).
The MGTO noted that the drone performance is subject to wind speed and rainfall, pointing out that if the weather is unfavourable, the bureau will announce the news to the public two hours before the show time, if possible.
