Laser light shows can be tailored to your event’s specific needs, typically ranging between two and 10 minutes. However, some installations are designed to run continuously for longer events, or as a backdrop for ongoing services.
Can my laser light show be customised?
Absolutely – any laser light show can be fully customised. You can request specific colours, patterns, logos and messages and even ask us to sync the display to music of your choice. We can also map lasers onto buildings or objects.
How far in advance should I book a laser light show?
It is recommended to book as early as possible, especially for during busy times like summer, Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year. Ideally, three months in advance is best to ensure we have availability, but we can usually work at shorter notice when required.
What are your payment terms?
We usually require a 25% deposit on booking. The balance is paid two weeks before your display takes place.
How should I pay?
We accept electronic payments via BACS/CHAPS/International, as well as major credit cards.
Can you photograph or film our show?
Yes – our team have broadcast quality video cameras and professional drones to capture your event. We can even provide a fully-edited aerial videography package so you can relive the event whenever you like and share it with your team.
What are the power and technical requirements for a laser light show?
Laser light shows require a reliable power source with specific requirements depending on the size of the show. We will handle all technical aspects and advise on power requirements.
From how far can outdoor lasers be seen?
Depending on weather conditions, our laser displays can be seen for miles around.
What happens if the weather is poor?
Weather doesn’t affect the ability to produce laser shows – in fact, they often look even better in rain!
Can the laser light show be synchronised with music or other effects?
Yes, they can be synchronised to music, fireworks or other event elements. This creates an immersive and dynamic experience, making it a popular option for concerts, festivals and special celebrations.
What safety precautions are taken during a laser show?
Our laser operators are highly trained and follow strict safety protocols, ensuring that lasers are pointed away from the audience.
Do I need a special permit to host a laser light show?
If your display is outdoors and the beams are unterminated (go into the sky), permission may be required if there is an airport nearby. We handle this process for you and ensure all regulations are followed.
Wedding displays are usually four to seven minutes in length.
Public displays are often 10 to 15 minutes.
Product demos and marketing displays tend to last just two to three minutes.
Can you provide displays other than fireworks?
Yes – we are the UK’s most diverse provider firework displays. We also offer bespoke laser displays, drone light shows, lighting and PA systems, plus we can provide aerial videography packages of our displays. These options can each be hired individually or combined with a firework display.
Can you customise a display to fit my theme/brand?
Absolutely. If you want us to use specific colours, we can make it happen. We would recommend using specific colours for just part of the display as it limits the selection we can use. However, it’s entirely your choice!
Can you organise a display as a surprise?
Absolutely! We can set up our displays discreetly and work with you to ensure it stays a secret.
Can you set fireworks to music?
Yes, we can! We choreograph and design displays to music every single week for our clients. In fact, we have won awards all around the world for these pyro-musical displays.
How far in advance should I book my display?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak times such as the summer, Bonfire Night, festivals, Christmas or New Year. Six months in advance is ideal, but we can often also work at shorter notice if required.
Do you need any power or resources?
No – we pride ourselves on being completely self-sufficient. If we are providing a PA system, lighting or lasers, we would need power but, if it isn’t available on-site, we can easily use our own generator.
How close can the audience be to the fireworks?
A safety distance must be maintained between the audience and the firework launch site. This distance varies depending on the size of the fireworks and direction of the wind but is usually a minimum of 50 metres.
What happens if the weather is poor?
Rain generally won’t affect a firework display, but strong winds towards the audience can cause issues if the venue doesn’t allow for relocation. We always develop site-specific contingency plans for this purpose.
Can you photograph or film our show?
Yes – our team have broadcast quality video cameras and professional drones to capture your event. We can even provide a fully edited aerial videography package so you can relive the event whenever you like and share it with your team.
Can you clean up after the display?
Of course. Our team will perform a site clean – we always leave the site as tidy as it was before we arrived.
Are you insured to deliver firework displays?
MLE Pyrotechnics holds insurance for all activities we perform up to £10 million public liability as standard.
Do I need permission or a licence to host firework displays?
We require permission from the owner of the land from which the fireworks are launched. If the location is within 15 miles of an airport, we will need to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
A drone light show cost depends on the number of drones and the amount of animation work required. Please get in touch for a bespoke quotation.
Every display we design is done in-house by our full-time animation team. We will produce visuals and renders to help you decide on the different scenes for your display. Once signed off, the show goes to full animation and testing. We’re able to update you with visuals all along the way.
Do we need a license?
We were right at the forefront of producing a robust set of procedures and operating methods in line with Civil Aviation Authority legislation and guidance. We hold the required permission issued by the CAA which will usually be recognised in other countries outside of the UK too. Naturally we also hold the necessary insurance to perform drone light shows.
What if it’s raining?
Our drones can fly in rain as long as it is not heavy or persistent. Each of our drones has been designed and manufactured in-house, using the world’s leading components. We use motors that are water-resistant and designed to be submerged in water.
What permissions are required?
In order to produce a swarming light display a NOTAM must be in place and applied for with the CAA. This warns aircraft of the event. 14 days’ notice is usually required but please do contact us if time is less than this. We’ll also need permission from landowners that the show flies over.
Who do I need to inform?
The local police can be informed as a matter of courtesy. The attention a light show can cause will result in local people wondering what is happening!
Will I see a preview?
We design the show choreography in 3D animation software. It is part of our service to provide a visual animation as a video and/or photographs.
How far away do people need to be?
It depends on the height of the show. As a rough guide, we’ll need at least 130 x 150 metres of ground and have complete control over it. This must be kept secure at all times.
How much notice do you need?
Ideally 4 weeks minimum, but we have produced a drone show with 30 hours’ notice before. It is possible to work to very short timeframes but our animation team ideally need a few weeks as a minimum to work on your display. We also need to co-ordinate airspace with the CAA and any local airports.
I’m a lighting designer – can you integrate a drone show with my lighting?
We’re able to give your lighting designer control of the swarm colouring over artnet/DMX.
What drones do you use?
We decided right from the start that nothing on the market met our demanding requirements. Ever since we were incorporated in 1999, we’ve always pushed to be at the very forefront of what we do.
Our drones are designed in-house from the ground up. We have a team that works on the CAD design of the components, PCB design, firmware design and software development. We’re proud to have one of the world’s leading swarm drone platforms and it is made right here in the UK.
If you’re interested in a world-class firework, laser or drone light display, get in touch with us at mail@mlepyrotechnics.co.uk.
A firework display is a truly stunning addition to any event, whether it be a wedding, business event or company celebration.
Whatever special occasion you’re marking, fireworks always draw a crowd and provide a spectacle for everyone watching.
But there are plenty of factors to consider in order to plan the perfect firework display.
In this article, we explore how to create the best possible show for your event and explain how MLE Pyrotechnics can help you make your ideas a reality.
Understand different types of fireworks used in a firework display
There are a wide range of different types of fireworks, all best suited to different occasions:
Aerial fireworks
These create the spectacle we all know and love, lighting up the sky with vibrant colours.
Ground fireworks
These fireworks take place at ground level, letting off showers of sparks upwards. For this reason, they are often considered the safest option for smaller, more intimate venues.
Digital fireworks
The latest in firework design, these fireworks last a very short duration and fire rapidly, picking out punctuations in music.
Speciality fireworks
If your event requires something very bespoke, we would use specially designed fireworks suitable for your location, such as low- or lower-noise fireworks. These can be used on buildings or very close to people. Get in touchand we’ll talk you through what we offer at MLE.
Before we start work planning your display, the MLE team will visit your site and produce a LiDAR survey, allowing us to identify the best possible location to execute the display. This will determine what fireworks will work best for you.
Match your theme, tone or brand
Whether it be matching a brand at a corporate event or the happy couple’s favourite colours for a wedding, our firework displays can be designed to feature specific colours to capture the tone and purpose of the event.
We can also select specific types of firework that match the tone of the event you’re trying to create.
Set a budget
When it comes to planning your display, it’s important to decide on a budget and stick to it.
At MLE, we understand that everyone has their own ideas on what makes the ideal display. We will work with you to plan the perfect show that sticks to your budget and creates a truly impressive event.
Of course, there are a number of factors that affect the cost of a display including the duration, location and complexity, plus the type of event.
In order to ensure you get the very best we can offer, we don’t have packages with set prices and instead create a bespoke package for you, so please get in touch to discuss your budget and find out what we can offer.
Complement your display
Drone light shows
Drone light shows are a great addition to any firework display, providing the option for displaying logos and messages across the night sky. This makes them perfect for corporate events, business anniversaries, weddings and Christmas celebrations.
They can also be used on their own for venues where firework displays aren’t suitable or permitted, creating memorable moments for attendees.
Laser displays
When it comes to transforming a space, laser displays add a colourful, atmospheric edge.
Our laser shows can take shape in a variety of patterns and colours, allowing us to match your specific requirements and add a unique talking point to your event.
As the sole UK distributor of Kvant lasers, we have access to the highest quality equipment for your next event.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting serves a more functional purpose, able to attract visitors or inspire passers-by from miles around.
However, it also adds atmosphere to the event itself and accentuates the architecture of the venue, showing everything at its best.
Choose a trusted provider
At MLE, we pride ourselves on being not just a firework company, but a full-service entertainment provider.
Alongside the high-quality firework displays, drone light shows and laser light displays, we can also take 4K aerial footage of your displays using drones and provide you with a fully edited video package so you can look back on your display for years to come.
When Hiscox was celebrating 25 years of their Guernsey operations, they called on MLE Pyrotechnics to provide a stunning and memorable drone light show – the first drone show ever to take place in Guernsey.
Intending to find the most memorable drone display for their event, we weren’t the only company Hiscox considered.
After assessing their options across three different businesses, they chose to work with us and part of this was because of the options we offer as alternatives in case of extreme weather conditions.
Hiscox: the story
Based in Hamilton, Bermuda, Hiscox is a major insurance provider, listed on the London Stock Exchange.
They specialise in providing corporate and private clients with a range of crisis management solutions such as insurance for fine art, classic cars and other valuable items, to kidnap and ransom insurance for high-net-worth individuals.
The brief
Hiscox wanted their display to tell the story of their presence in Guernsey – but not just through regular storytelling.
Their vision was to provide a spectacular and memorable visual display for a very exclusive audience at their private party.
The challenges
Organising and executing a drone light show is never as simple as it seems. There are always plenty of factors to consider, from weather to the limitations of a proposed location.
Since this show took place just a few hundred metres from Guernsey Airport, our team had to coordinate with air traffic controllers to co-exist with air traffic and obtain permission from the Aviation Authority to permit us to carry out the display.
The result
The DroneSwarm team set about planning this project, delivering detailed storyboards to help bring Hiscox’s vision to life and show them how the final product would look.
Our clients, Hiscox, wanted the display choreographed to music so we produced and provided a soundtrack.
Our proprietary drones were used to light up the sky with the Hiscox logo and provide their exclusive audience with a truly proud and unforgettable moment.
At MLE Pyrotechnics, we offer bespoke fireworks, drone light shows and laser displays. Whether you are looking for just one of those options, or all three, we can deliver a tailored display to exceed your expectations and dazzle attendees.
Each of our displays can be choreographed with one another or set to music. Plus, the event can be captured and replayed for years to come with our fully edited aerial videography packages.
If you’re concerned about the logistics of your display, our team can carry out LIDAR surveys and supply you with 3D scans of the event’s location, allowing us to determine the best possible place to execute the display.
If you’re interested in enhancing your company event or marking an anniversary with something truly memorable, get in touch about your bespoke drone light show and we can discuss the next steps.
When it comes to events, firework displays always draw a crowd. They are a staple of corporate events, weddings and celebrations for a reason, lighting up the night sky with awe-inspiring colours and spectacular shapes and patterns.
Many companies offer bespoke firework displays and, while they always add an exciting element to all sorts of events, there are a wide range of other breathtaking and innovative options, such as drone light shows and laser displays.
These unique displays can add a spectacular new dimension to get people talking at any kind of event – either alongside fireworks or as part of their very own display.
At MLE, we are so much more than your average firework company. Here are just a few examples of what sets us apart from others in our industry.
Our wide range of services
Drone light shows
Our drone show division, DroneSwarm, provide drone light show design, operation and consultancy. We are proud to be the first business in the UK to have obtained ongoing permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to carry out drone light shows for public and private events.
These drone shows are completely tailored to you. We can create a bespoke show in the colours of your choice, set it to a soundtrack, and in whatever shape or design you like, whether it be a brand logo, image or message.
We helped BMW celebrate the 50-year anniversary of their famous ‘M’ range, illuminating the sky with their iconic logo.
When it comes to transforming an event space, laser displays add a colourful, atmospheric edge.
Our laser shows can take shape in a variety of patterns and colours, allowing us to match your specific requirements and add a unique talking point to your event.
Our team at MLE knows that it’s important your laser display leaves a lasting impact on guests or attendees, and that’s why we use the best equipment in the business.
As the UK distributor of Kvant lasers, we have access to the highest quality equipment ready to use at your next event.
Lighting
Adding outdoor beams of light to your event can help draw in crowds, accentuate the unique architecture of venues and create a spectacular atmosphere.
Our lighting services add an extra dimension to corporate or public events or provide that final flourish for a wedding. We’re proud to invest in a range of outdoor lighting equipment made by world leaders – Robe Lighting, allowing us to provide full productions or accompaniments to firework, drone or laser displays.
Adding something special
Aerial videography
What better way to look back on your firework, drone or laser display than by reliving each moment with a fully edited aerial video package?
Our team can capture aerial and on-the-ground footage of your display, providing you with a professionally edited video to share with your team and customers.
Synchronisation with music
Although fireworks, drone light shows and laser displays are spectacular in their own right, synchronising music to your display can make it even more emotional and memorable.
We are happy to set your display, or combination of displays, to a soundtrack of your choice, allowing you to stamp your mark on our service and create an event that epitomises your brand or occasion.
We helped major insurance company Hiscox celebrate 25 years of their Guernsey operations with a bespoke drone show, choreographed to match their choice of music.
When it comes to executing the best possible display, we take out the guesswork.
Our team will visit your site to carry out a full LiDAR survey, allowing us to identify the optimal location for the display and create a truly memorable spectacle.
Part of the process of our LiDAR surveys is the development of a 3D scan of your venue, which we are more than happy to give you at the end of the project.
Only the best equipment
We pride ourselves on using the best equipment. Since adding laser displays to our services, we joined forces with Kvant, the world leader in laser technology, based in Slovakia, and have since become their UK distributor. This allows us access to a substantial inventory of the latest technology, enabling us to create even more stunning effects.
Rent our equipment
If you’re not currently ready for our full service, we offer several pieces of equipment for rent or hire, such as:
Robe iPointe 65 lighting units and additional outdoor lighting equipment
Our stock of Martin Audio sound equipment and additional outdoor accessories
MLE Pyrotechnics are proud to organise the UK’s biggest firework event!
Firework Champions, which takes place across seven of the UK’s most picturesque stately homes, pits the nation’s biggest firework companies against each other to determine who will be crowned Firework Champion!
Each event is a fun-filled evening with not just fireworks, but drone light shows, laser displays, children’s entertainment, music, food and drink.
As event planners in our own right, we know what makes an event successful. Our team are equipped to work to your requirements, adapting to different locations, environments and preferences.
What sets us apart from our competitors is that we can complement any event spectacle with another.
While firework displays are our bread and butter, MLE’s offering extend way beyond Roman candles and spinners.
Plus, if a firework display becomes unfeasible due to your location, noise concerns or weather conditions, we can quickly pivot to offer you a different package.
Your Firework Display is a mesmerising spectacle that captivates and inspires audiences of all ages. The fleeting beauty and explosive colours of fireworks deserve to be captured and cherished for years to come. That’s where we come in! Our team of skilled professionals offers a comprehensive package that includes 4K video and breath taking still photos of your firework display. With the added advantage of aerial shots captured by qualified drone pilots and a full editing service, we ensure that every moment of your event is transformed into a lasting memory.
Immersive 4K Video: Imagine reliving the excitement and energy of your firework display in stunning 4K resolution. Our state-of-the-art cameras capture every detail, from the vivid bursts of colour to the awe-inspiring patterns painted across the night sky. With 4K video, you’ll be able to experience the display as if you were there, even long after the sparks have faded.
Breath taking Still Photos: Alongside our video services, our skilled photographers will freeze the most captivating moments of your firework display into unforgettable still photos. Our keen eye for composition and timing ensures that each image becomes a work of art, preserving the magic of your event in every frame. From wide-angle shots encompassing the entire display to intimate close-ups of individual fireworks, our photos will evoke the emotions and memories tied to your special occasion.
Aerial Perspective via Drone: To truly capture the grandeur of your firework display, we offer aerial shots using drone technology. Our team of fully qualified drone pilots will expertly navigate the skies, providing unique and awe-inspiring angles. With bird’s-eye views of the entire event, you’ll be able to appreciate the scale and beauty of the display like never before.
Professional Editing Service: Once the footage and photos have been captured, our dedicated team of editors will work their magic. We employ cutting-edge editing techniques to enhance the visuals, add cinematic effects, and create a cohesive narrative that reflects the spirit of your event. The result is a beautifully polished final product that showcases the essence of your firework display.
Your firework display is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it deserves to be captured in all its glory. With our comprehensive package of 4K video, stunning still photos, aerial perspectives, and professional editing services, you can relive the magic over and over again. Don’t let the memories fade away; entrust us to encapsulate the energy, excitement, and beauty of your firework display for generations to come. Contact us today to book our services and ensure your event is forever immortalised in visual splendour.
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