Vivid Sydney Drone Show Cancelled After 89 Drones Malfunction

Vivid Sydney Drone Show Cancelled After 89 Drones Malfunction

First seen 25 May 2026, 23:02 UTC Nsw.AuSmh.AuAbc.AuRnz.Co.NzSbs.Au+3 86% similarity 36.0

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During the Vivid Sydney festival, 89 drones fell into Darling Harbour due to a technical malfunction during the 'Star-Bound' show. The operator, SkyMagic, attributed the incident to an unforeseen change in the radio frequency environment, which caused the drones to enact failsafe landing procedures. No injuries were reported, and all drones remained within the designated exclusion zone. Following the incident, four additional performances were cancelled to conduct a full safety review. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified and is gathering information on the event. The festival, which runs until June 13, had planned for multiple drone shows, making this incident significant for both organizers and attendees.

Key Points: • 89 drones fell into Darling Harbour during a Vivid Sydney drone show due to a technical malfunction. • SkyMagic reported that an unforeseen change in radio frequency caused the drones to enact failsafe procedures. • All affected drones remained within the designated exclusion zone, and no injuries were reported.

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Timeline

2026-05-25
89 drones malfunction during Vivid Sydney show
Drones began falling into the water shortly after the show started, attributed to a radio frequency issue.
RNZ
2026-05-25
Subsequent shows cancelled for safety review
Vivid Sydney cancelled the 9:30pm show and additional performances on Tuesday and Wednesday for a technical review.
SMH
2026-05-26
Public statements issued on safety protocols
Vivid Sydney emphasized that public safety is the top priority and confirmed no drones left the safety boundary.
The Guardian
2026-05-26
Australian Transport Safety Bureau notified
The bureau has been informed of the incident and is collecting further information regarding the drone malfunction.
ABC

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