600 drones to light up Suva sky in first-ever South Pacific show

A spectacular 600-drone light show will illuminate Suva’s night sky next Saturday, marking the 76th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and 50 years of China-Fiji diplomatic relations.

This was revealed by the Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian at a media briefing at the Chinese Embassy today.

In what is being hailed as the first drone show of its kind in the South Pacific, Jian says the aerial display will include stunning formations such as the Fijian flag and a panda drinking kava, all performed above the sea.

He says the best vantage point for the public will be from the western half of Albert Park.

He says the drone show is just one of three major highlights of the public celebration.

He says the event is open to everyone, including those attending the final day of the Hibiscus Festival, with the drone show visible to both gatherings.

He says the Chinese community, Chinese Embassy, and the Confucius Institute at USP will also set up cultural and food stalls at Albert Park throughout the day which will showcase Chinese cuisine, arts, crafts, and traditions for all to experience.

He says there will also be a series of live performances featuring an art troupe from China and Fiji’s own VOU Dance Group where he says will include martial arts, acrobatics, magic, marionette shows, Cantonese opera, and various dance performances.

Jian says the celebration is a way for the Chinese community to share their culture with the Fijian people, and to commemorate the strong and growing ties between the two nations.

He says the event is expected to draw large crowds and serve as a vibrant conclusion to the Hibiscus Festival weekend, celebrating unity, friendship, and cultural exchange.

Meanwhile, Suva City Council Acting CEO Tevita Boseiwaqa says that good collaboration is a must in achieving good results, especially in a small city like Suva, and that he and the ambassador sat down together to work on how the two different events will take place.

He says the Hibiscus Festival will go on as normal, and the drone show will not be restricted only to those at Albert Park, it will also be visible to those at the foreshore.