Which offers a more expensive, eco-friendly, superior spectacle: fireworks or drone shows? - Which one proves more costly, eco-friendly, superior in quality: fireworks or drone displays?
Festivals Turn to Drones: Weighing Costs, Environment, and Spectacle
In light of the ongoing drought and increasing environmental concerns, some German festivals are reconsidering the use of fireworks and opting for alternative attractions, such as drone shows. This shift is raising questions about costs, sustainability, and the overall festival experience.
Traditional events like Johannisnacht in Mainz and Rhein in Flammen are exploring the idea of embracing drone shows instead of the usual fireworks displays. While the costs of drone shows are approximately twice as high for these events, organizers like Rhein in Flammen are also incorporating fireworks to maintain the traditional aspect. Meanwhile, other events like the Schiersteiner Hafenfest in Wiesbaden are hoping for a reduction in fireworks due to its highly sensitive location.
The fireworks industry argues that the hazardous substances produced during firework displays are a minimal concern, as they are water-soluble and only present for "ten minutes once a year." However, the BUND in Rhineland-Palatinate cautions that the risk of fire during the ongoing drought may force the cancellation of some firework displays. In addition, fireworks contribute to soil, water, and air pollution through the release of toxic substances like perchlorate.
The budget is another significant factor in the choice between fireworks and drone shows. Thomas Fischer, managing director of Beisel Pyrotechnik, suggests that the cost of a drone show can quickly become prohibitive for many organizers. He argues that fireworks remain a more cost-effective option for most events, but large-scale drone shows can offer a unique, eco-friendly, and customizable alternative for larger or more specialized events.
Stefan Weil, creative director and managing director of Atelier Markgraph, emphasizes the importance of combining traditional fireworks with drone shows to maximize the experience and maintain a connection between the analog and digital worlds. He proposes that drones can supplement fireworks by projecting symbols, logos, and messages into the sky, while large light shows are particularly effective when paired with an appropriate backdrop.
However, drone shows also come with their own challenges. Apart from the budget, concerns regarding their susceptibility to wind and rain, and ecological footprint must be addressed. The Koblenz city council faction of the Greens, for instance, is critical of the use of fireworks due to their impact on the environment and the risks associated with the ongoing drought.
In conclusion, while fireworks remain a cheaper option for smaller and medium-sized events, drone shows offer a more eco-friendly, customizable, and innovative alternative for larger events. However, the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs and budget constraints of the festival organizers.
- Drone
- Fireworks
- Mainz
- BUND
- Koblenz
- Thomas Fischer
- Environment
- Rhineland-Palatinate
- Wiesbaden
- EU
- Plants
- In the shift from traditional fireworks to drone shows at festivals, organizers in Mainz and Wiesbaden are weighing the costs against the sustainability and overall festival experience, with drone shows being about twice as expensive.
- The BUND in Rhineland-Palatinate raises concerns about the environmental impact of fireworks, pointing out the release of toxic substances like perchlorate, while Koblenz city council faction of the Greens is critical of both fireworks and drone shows due to their impact on the environment.
- Thomas Fischer, managing director of Beisel Pyrotechnik, argues that while fireworks remain the more cost-effective option for most events, large-scale drone shows can offer a unique, eco-friendly, and customizable alternative for larger or more specialized events, including the projection of symbols and messages into the sky.
