FAQs: MLE Pyrotechnics and DroneSwarm

By: EDGECreative |

At MLE Pyrotechnics, we provide bespoke firework and laser displays, as well as drone light shows through our sister company, DroneSwarm.

Here, we share some of the most frequently asked questions about our services:

Laser shows

  • How long does a typical laser light show last?

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.

Firework displays

  • How long do firework displays usually last?

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). 

Drone light shows

  • How much does a drone light show cost?

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.