ISTRES: “THE DREAM OF ICARUS,” A SHOW CELEBRATING AVIATION
A few days before the start of this new year, Allumee wrapped up 2023 in spectacular fashion by hosting the festivities right on the shores of the Étang de l’Olivier in the charming town of Istres, located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. Our team orchestrated a drone light show titled “The Dream of Icarus.”
This poetic and narrative show transported the audience into the fascinating world of two legendary French female aviators, Jacqueline Auriol and Hélène Boucher.
Istres: The Cradle of Aviation
Beyond the artistic brilliance of the show, Allumee sought to pay tribute to the prestigious history of the city of Istres as the cradle of aeronautics. This city proudly boasts the largest runway in Europe, a testament to its pivotal role in the development of aviation in France.
Since World War I, Istres has held a strategic position as a military air base. As a training ground for pilots and a base for French Air Force fighter jets, the city has witnessed the dynamic evolution of aviation over the decades.
Heroines of the Skies: Jacqueline Auriol and Hélène Boucher
“The Dream of Icarus” delves into the exploits of two aviation pioneers, Jacqueline Auriol and Hélène Boucher. Indeed, these intrepid women defied the conventions of their time, becoming among the first female test pilots to fly in a field once reserved for men. This drone show traces their lives, challenges, and successes, capturing the daring spirit that marked the dawn of a new era.
Throughout the 20th century, both women left their mark on their era with feats never before achieved by a woman: Jacqueline Auriol became the first European woman to break the legendary “sound barrier,” while Hélène Boucher set several women’s world speed records. Boucher died in an accident during a training flight at the age of just 26.
"The Dream of Icarus": A Poetic and Narrative Show
The sky over Istres was transformed into a living canvas with Allumee’s original creation. No fewer than 200 drones created luminous images, visually telling the story of aviation and the women who shaped it. But the show didn’t stop there.
Fireworks lit up the night sky, and a gigantic airship, 9 meters long, soared through the skies, adding a spectacular touch that made the event even more magical for our audience. The airship symbolized not only aviation’s glorious past, but also the constant aspiration to push the boundaries and soar ever higher.
A rich history illustrated through our lighting fixtures
The drones, coordinated with exceptional precision, traced luminous patterns across the starry sky. Each drone flight told a part of the story of the city of Istres, from its early days as a military air base to its current status as a jewel of European aviation.
And so, the lights crisscrossed and blended together, forming silhouettes that evoked the dawn of aviation —featuring the faces of those remarkable women we mentioned earlier, airplanes, stars, and much more.
The Fireworks Symphony
Accompanying the drones’ celestial dance, a symphony of fireworks lit up the sky. Countless brightly colored fireworks burst in perfect synchronization, adding an explosion of light and color to the story told during this magical night.
In this way, each explosion seemed like a celebration—a tribute to the challenges overcome and the new horizons reached. A big thank you to BGMA PYRO for their trust.
