Article courtesy of The West Australian | Perth now.
A 500-strong drone show lit up the Perth skyline and audiences’ imaginations on Saturday night.
The City of Light drone show brought the festive spirit into the sky over Elizabeth Quay — telling the story of a Christmas in Perth.
The drone show was one of six, which are set to run from November to February
John Glenn famously dubbed Perth the City of Light on February 20, 1962, when he became the first American to orbit the Earth in the Friendship 7 spacecraft.
As he passed overhead, the people of Perth turned on their lights — making the city clearly visible from space.
Over the years that title for Perth has disappeared but Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas resurrected the slogan to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the famous flight earlier in 2022.
The first City of Light drone show in February was dubbed a success with Elizabeth Quay packed and more gathered in boats, on the South Perth foreshore, and at Kings Park.
Mr Zempilas said no city lit up like Perth.
“Perth is synonymous with light and after the success of the CBD’s first drone show this February, the City of Light shows will honour our new brand,” he said.
The next instalment in the series of light shows will be on New Year’s Eve at Elizabeth Quay where there will also be a fair and fireworks.
“At midnight, enjoy a magnificent sparkled sky that will lead us into the New Year in Northbridge,” Mr Zempilas said.
“Each year, our free family-friendly New Year’s Eve event draws thousands of people from all over Perth into our City of Light.”
An Australia Day event will light up Langley Park with drones and fireworks, followed by two more drone shows in February.
“We’re lighting up the City this summer and there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy — see you in our City of Light,” Mr Zempilas said.
The City of Light shows are presented by the Hancock Group of companies, including Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill and Atlas Iron.
