What Is The David Hockney Drone Show in Bradford?

Imagine looking up at the November night sky and, instead of stars, seeing a giant, glowing swimming pool shimmering above your head. It might sound like something from a dream, but this is exactly what’s happening in Bradford. The city is celebrating its most famous son, the artist David Hockney, in a completely new way as part of its year as UK City of Culture. Get ready for a spectacular free event that blends classic art with futuristic technology, promising a truly unforgettable experience for everyone.

What is Painting the Sky?

Basically, it's an art exhibition in the sky. On Friday, 14 November 2025, some of David Hockney’s most famous works will be brought to life using more than 600 choreographed drones. These aren't the kind of drones that deliver parcels; think of them as hundreds of tiny, flying pixels, each with a bright light. Working together, they will paint giant, moving pictures high above the town of Saltaire. The show, called Painting the Sky, will feature art from across Hockney’s long career. One moment, the night sky might be filled with the bright, sunny colours of his Californian swimming pool paintings. The next, it could transform into the lush, rolling landscapes of his beloved Yorkshire. It’s a chance to see his works as never before, animated and glowing against the darkness. This amazing event is a key part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and its forward-thinking creative spirit. This free event is open to the public and is expected to draw large crowds.

A local lad done good

David Hockney is a global art superstar, but his story starts right here in Bradford. Born in the city in 1937, he studied at the Bradford School of Art before taking the art world by storm. What makes him so special is that he’s never been afraid to mix things up and try something new. He’s always been fascinated by technology and how it can be used to create art. Way back in the 1980s, he was experimenting with Polaroid cameras to create his famous 'joiner' collages. More recently, he’s become known for creating incredible drawings on his iPad, capturing the changing seasons in Yorkshire and Normandy with just his finger and a screen. He even held an immersive exhibition called Bigger & Closer (not smaller and further away), which used massive projections to surround people with his art. So, using drones to display his works feels like a perfect next step for an artist who has always pushed the boundaries of creativity. This is the first time his art will be presented using drone technology, which is a pretty big deal. This special event will happen over the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saltaire. The village is home to Salts Mill, a huge former textile mill that now houses one of the largest permanent collections of Hockney's art. People can visit the mill to see his 20 Flowers for 2025 exhibition, which is open until 4 January 2026.

Meet the wizards behind the curtain

Putting on a show like this is no small feat. It takes a special kind of magic, and that’s where SKYMAGIC comes in. They are a world-leading drone light show company, and chances are you’ve seen their work before. These are the creative minds behind the incredible drone displays for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the King’s Coronation Concert, and even massive international events like Coachella. SKYMAGIC are storytellers who use the night sky as their canvas. Their team of creative experts and tech geniuses have put on shows in more than 25 countries, wowing audiences across the globe. They harness the power of drone technology to create moving, emotional experiences. Bringing their expertise to Bradford for this unique event is a massive win for the city and its year-long celebration of culture.

More than just a one-night show

This amazing drone event is just one part of a much bigger story. In 2025, Bradford takes its place as the UK City of Culture. This title is a huge honour, putting the city on the national and international stage. It follows in the footsteps of previous cities like Derry~Londonderry, Hull, and Coventry, which all saw big positive changes after their year in the spotlight. Being the UK City of Culture brings a massive boost to the area. It means more cultural events for everyone to enjoy, a spotlight on local talent, and a lot of investment in the city’s future. Bradford’s programme is packed with performances, exhibitions, and activities that celebrate the district’s unique heritage and its incredibly diverse communities. There's a special focus on young people – with more than a quarter of its population under 20, Bradford is one of the UK’s youngest cities, and its City of Culture year is all about reflecting that youthful energy. The year-long celebration is made possible through public investment and funding from bodies like the National Lottery and Arts Council England, who are dedicated to supporting culture and creativity across the country. The aim is that this investment will create a lasting legacy of regeneration and opportunity for generations to come.

Everything you need to know to be there

Thinking of going? It’s going to be a popular one, so it’s best to be prepared. Here are the key details for the Painting the Sky drone event:

• What: A free public art display featuring David Hockney’s works recreated by 600 drones.
• Where: The show will be visible from Roberts Park, Saltaire, Shipley, BD17 7LU.
• When: Friday, 14 November 2025.
• Time: The show starts at 5.30pm sharp.
• Duration: Approximately 10 minutes.
• More info

Because the event is outdoors in November, it’s a good idea to dress for the weather. Think warm coats, hats, and gloves. Roberts Park is expected to be very busy, so plan to arrive with plenty of time to find a good spot. This is a brilliant opportunity for the public to experience a world-class cultural moment for free, right in the heart of Yorkshire.