How Much Does a Drone Show cost?

Afterglow Drone Shows Ltd is pioneering sustainable drone light shows across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Dorset — offering a truly modern, eco-friendly, and visually breathtaking alternative to traditional fireworks.

If you’re considering a drone light show for your next event, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is: “How much does a drone show cost?”

The truth is, there’s no single price that fits every event. The cost of a drone show depends on a few key factors, including the number of drones, the complexity of the design, and the time of year. But don’t worry — in this guide, we’ll break it all down clearly, show you what influences the price, and help you understand what kind of show fits your event and budget.

What Affects the Cost of a Drone Show?

When planning a drone light show in the South West, there are several factors that affect the price. Here’s what to consider when budgeting your event.

1. The Number of Drones

The number of drones is one of the biggest cost factors in any drone show. More drones mean more light points in the sky, allowing for larger and more detailed animations.

For example:

• 50 drones can create impressive patterns, logos, and shapes — perfect for smaller events or venues with limited space.

• 100–150 drones provide greater creative flexibility and complexity, ideal for festivals, large-scale celebrations, or attraction openings.

• 200+ drones are used for major events or national displays, offering cinematic visuals that truly fill the sky.

  
  

At Afterglow, our most popular entry-level show uses 50 drones, balancing cost, quality, and sustainability.

2. Customisation Level

Every client has a different vision, and we offer several design options to suit both your imagination and your budget:

• Full Custom Drone Show — A completely bespoke light show, created from scratch to tell your story, celebrate your brand, or align with your event’s theme.

• Part-Customised Drone Show — A semi-tailored option using one of our existing shows as a foundation, with specific sequences or shapes added for your event.

• Stock Drone Show — Our carefully designed, pre-built show for 2025 — delivering an incredible experience at our best price point. This is the most cost-effective choice if you’re looking for a high-impact yet affordable performance.

  
  

If you’re searching online for “how much is a drone show”, your level of customisation is one of the main things that determines the total cost.

3. Number of Performances

Is your drone show a one-off event, or will it run regularly throughout the season?Booking multiple shows can reduce your cost per performance, especially for attractions that want to include drone light shows as part of a long-term entertainment schedule.

For example, a visitor attraction in Cornwall hosting a series of summer evening events could benefit from multi-show pricing, while still enjoying the same high-quality production.

4. Time of Year and Demand

Just like many other event services, drone show pricing can vary depending on demand.Peak dates such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve are highly sought after, meaning availability is limited and prices reflect this.

That said, spring and summer shows can often offer better availability and weather conditions — making them great times to plan your display.

5. Site Location and Permissions

Every site is unique, and flight conditions are a key factor.Open spaces such as coastal venues in Cornwall, country estates in Devon, or large parks in Somerset are ideal for drone light shows.

Our team manages all necessary flight permissions, safety planning, and coordination with local authorities to ensure a safe, compliant, and seamless performance.

Drone Show Pricing Examples

At Afterglow, we believe in being transparent and realistic about costs. While every project is unique, here’s a general guide to help you estimate your drone show price in 2025.

Example 1: Stock Drone Show (50 Drones) – from £7,500 + VAT

A ready-to-go 50-drone display using our stock 2025 light show, designed for smaller-scale events. This 9-minute show is Ideal for local councils, community celebrations, or visitor attractions wanting a taste of what drone shows can offer. This is our most affordable option and still delivers a spectacular, choreographed performance.

Example 2: Part-Custom Drone Show (50 Drones) – from £10,000 + VAT

A semi-tailored show that builds on an existing design, allowing you to include custom logos, names, or messages. This option is perfect for corporate events, product launches, and regional festivals across the South West.

Example 3: Full Custom Drone Show (50 Drones) – from £15,000 + VAT

A completely bespoke performance, built from the ground up to match your event’s story, theme, or brand identity.Suitable for major attractions, international clients, and flagship celebrations that demand a one-of-a-kind spectacle.

These prices serve as an approximate guide. The final quote depends on the number of drones, site logistics, and design complexity — but our team always provides clear, transparent pricing before we begin.

Drone Show Costs by Event Type

To help you plan more accurately, here’s how drone show pricing typically varies depending on the type of event.

Visitor Attractions

Museums, theme parks, and holiday destinations often use drone shows to attract and retain guests.For seasonal attractions in Devon or Cornwall, packages might range from £7,500–£12,000 depending on show frequency and duration.The ability to repeat shows through the season can make drone light displays very cost-effective compared with fireworks or live entertainment.

Festivals & Large-Scale Events

Music festivals, food festivals, and outdoor gatherings benefit from larger, more dynamic shows — usually 100 drones or more.These typically start around £12,000–£20,000 depending on design scope and location.The added value lies in audience reach and the social media visibility these shows generate.

Corporate Events & Launches

Brands looking to make a bold visual statement often choose part-custom or fully custom shows that integrate their logo or product imagery.Budgets here typically start around £10,000–£18,000, with options for multi-location campaigns or national events.

Public Celebrations

Councils and community organisers in the South West are increasingly turning to drone shows as a sustainable alternative to fireworks.For Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, or local heritage events, expect starting prices from £7,500–£15,000, depending on show scale and demand.

Why Choose Drone Shows Over Fireworks?

Drone light shows are not only spectacular — they’re also eco-friendly, safe, and community-friendly.

Compared with fireworks, drone shows create no smoke, no debris, and minimal noise, making them ideal for environmentally conscious venues and audiences.They also offer greater creative flexibility — with the ability to form shapes, logos, and stories that fireworks simply can’t replicate.

At Afterglow, we’re committed to sustainability. Our drones are powered by re

newable energy, and our operations are designed to minimise carbon footprint wherever possible.

By choosing Afterglow, you’re not just lighting up the sky — you’re helping pioneer a low-carbon, eco-conscious future for live events in the South West.

Planning Your Drone Show with Afterglow

Every show begins with a conversation. When you contact our team, we’ll guide you through each stage — from selecting the right site, to planning your animation, to managing permissions and rehearsals.

Whether it’s a coastal display in Cornwall, a festival in Somerset, or a winter attraction in Dorset, we’ll help you design a show that’s safe, compliant, and unforgettable.

We also work closely with local councils and event organisers to ensure all airspace and environmental regulations are met. Our goal is simple: to make your event shine — responsibly.

Get a Quote for Your South West Drone Show

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, get in touch with Afterglow Drone Shows today.We’ll help you find the perfect balance between creativity, cost, and sustainability — delivering a performance that will stay with your audience long after the lights fade.

Visit afterglow.show/contact to start planning your drone show in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, or Dorset.