PROGRAM SUMMARY

Pixis Drones delivered a custom drone light show to close out the 28th annual Boston Pops on Nantucket benefit concert for Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Our 500-drone show unfolded in real-time to the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra's live performance, captivating thousands gathered on the beach. Designed as a visual celebration of Nantucket, the show reflected the island’s culture and landmarks, all while supporting essential healthcare services through Nantucket Cottage Hospital.

The Brand’s Vision

The goal was to elevate a cherished community tradition with a high-impact finale that would both dazzle the audience and reinforce the benefit concert’s philanthropic purpose. The event organizers envisioned a show that would celebrate Nantucket’s unique character while leaving a lasting emotional impression.

Our Creative Solution

Pixis delivered full end-to-end drone show production, managing creative development, FAA-certified operations, GPS-enabled drone animations, and live synchronization with the musical program. Our team handled both storytelling and technical execution, ensuring precise timing with the live orchestra and unobstructed viewing from the beachfront audience. The result was a cohesive, large-scale experiential marketing activation with high emotional payoff.

Key elements included:

• “NANTUCKET” spelled out in nautical flags

• 3D animations of nautical imagery: a great white shark, whale, and sailboat

• Local landmarks like Sankaty Lighthouse and The Old Mill

• Real-time drone choreography synchronized with live music from the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra

• End-to-end logistics and FAA-certified operations managed by Pixis

• Content tailored to Nantucket’s culture, community, and cause

Results

The performance captivated thousands on-site and sparked broad social media engagement. It enhanced the concert’s emotional arc while reinforcing the event’s charitable message. As a benefit concert activation, it successfully combined artistic storytelling with measurable impact, helping the brand leave a lasting impression on both local families and summer visitors.

Why It Worked

By weaving local identity into every frame and syncing precisely with live music, the drone show delivered a deeply relevant and emotionally charged experience. The integration of visuals, place-based storytelling, and nonprofit messaging demonstrated how custom drone light shows can amplify live events while supporting real marketing ROI and community-driven goals.