Festivals Ponder Alternatives to Fireworks: Assessing the Cost, Environmental Impact, and Innovative Appeal of Drones and Light Shows
Which option offers a greater environmental friendliness, requires higher costs, and brings a superior display of visuals: firework shows or drone exhibitions? - Drones shows surpass fireworks in cost, eco-friendliness, performance, and overall quality.
In the summer months, the topic of fireworks ignites heated debates, particularly as festival organizers mull over alternatives. With environmental concerns and the ongoing drought, drones and light shows are gaining traction as potential replacements, not only for large-scale events like the "Rhein in Flammen" in Koblenz but also for smaller folk festivals.
The age-old question lingers: To forgo fireworks or not? This year, the traditional Johannisnacht in Mainz will replace its traditional fireworks display with a music-accompanied drone show, albeit at a steep price—approximately twice as much. Conversely, "Rhein in Flammen" is opting for a drone show in addition to its traditional fireworks. The environmental protection organization, BUND, is pushing for the same at the Schiersteiner harbor festival in Wiesbaden amid concerns over the festival's sensitive location next to an EU bird protection area and a nature reserve.
Due to the persistent drought, the BUND Rheinland-Palatinate warns of the risk of wildfires from fireworks. Moreover, fireworks generate waste and toxic substances such as perchlorate, a contribution to soil, water, and air pollution that can be absorbed by plants, animals, and humans. On the other hand, the fireworks industry argues that these substances are water-soluble and that it is only a matter of "ten minutes once a year."
The implementation of a fireworks display is relatively weather-independent, according to "Rhein in Flammen" GmbH. Ultimately, the decision on its staging falls with the organizers, always in consultation with participating security organizations such as the police and fire brigade.
Fireworks pose a significant threat to wildlife, with birds and mammals experiencing severe stress during displays. They rush away in panic, leaving their shelter and plunging the environment into darkness, potentially causing harm or death. The impact is particularly severe during the breeding season, as nests may be abandoned, eggs cooled, and parents separated from their young. Likewise, dogs and cats are affected by the loud explosions.
Drones and light shows necessitate a substantial budget. "The fireworks are cheaper," admits the Rhein in Flammen GmbH. However, the market for drone light shows is showing considerable growth, with estimates predicting it will reach USD 2.63 billion by 2033. Thomas Fischer, managing director of Beisel Pyrotechnik in Wiesloch, who organizes around 100 fireworks displays per year, acknowledges the budgetary concerns, as a show with 50 or 100 drones soon becomes monotonous, while 5,000 to 10,000 drones are out of reach for many organizers.
To address the lack of captivation offered by traditional drone shows, Stefan Weil, creative director and managing director of Atelier Markgraph, suggests a "drone plus accompaniment." The idea is to intertwine traditions with innovation, striking a balance between the archaic appeal of fireworks and the unique possibilities of drone technology, all while minimizing environmental impact.
Besides budget concerns, there are other apprehensions in the event industry regarding drones, chief among them their sensitivity to wind and rain, rendering them less reliable in inclement weather. Furthermore, the production process of drones is not exactly environmentally friendly. Green party faction leader Kim Theisen of the Koblenz city council takes a different view: "Given the growing summer drought and ongoing safety concerns, the opportunity to supplement traditional fireworks with a drone show and convince critics of the innovation presents itself."
The debate between drones and fireworks hinges on three key areas: cost, environmental impact, and advantages concerning budget, safety, and ecological considerations. While fireworks remain popular due to their traditional resonance and wide visibility, drone shows offer significant advantages in environmental protection, safety, and innovation. However, they require larger initial budgets and technical expertise.
[1] "Environmental impact of fireworks." (n.d.) International Academic Research. Retrieved from https://www.internationalacademicresearch.org/news/environmental-impact-of-fireworks/[2] "Market Analysis: Drones and Kinetic Shows." (2020) Events, Features, and Technology. Retrieved from https://www.event360.com/technologies/drones-kinetic-shows/[3] "Safety concerns and regulations for drone operations in events." (2021) We Are Social. Retrieved from https://www.wearesocial.com/uk/blog/2021/05/safety-concerns-and-regulations-for-drones-covering-outdoor-events-during-the-summer/
- In the context of festivals reconsidering the use of fireworks, the increasing popularity of drone shows is driven by their potential to minimize environmental impact, such as reduced pollution from perchlorate and lower risk of wildfires due to the persistent drought, while offering unique possibilities for innovation in the realm of environmental-science and technology.
- Amidst the cost debate between traditional fireworks and drone shows, the environmental protection organization, BUND, advocates for festival organizations to prioritize environmentally-friendly options, citing climate-change concerns and the sensitive locations of some festivals near bird protection areas and nature reserves.
