First Lights Binalup: Stunning drone display of First Nations story to light up Binalup/Middleton Beach

Menang Noongar stories will be told in a way never seen before in the sky above Binalup/Middleton Beach on Saturday. First Lights will feature 160 drones in the evening sky telling First Nations stories that are “universally relevant” according to Fremantle Biennale chief executive and artistic director Tom Muller. “We’re honoured to share stories of this ancient and historic place, and are working with extraordinary artists to bring the show together,” he said. “Kim Scott’s words are truly poetry. “We’re very grateful to the City of Albany, who have been working so hard to help us get this show ‘off the ground’.” First Lights Binalup is the latest in a series of ‘First Lights’ shows that have been designed as “place-responsive, dynamic arts and cultural storytelling” experiences by Fremantle Biennale. “These First Nations stories are so deeply entwined in Binalup/Middleton Beach, in Albany and the Great Southern, and yet universally relevant,” Mr Muller said. “Site-specific artworks are so valuable because they intrinsically explore our connections to land and country.” Before the main show, ArtLIGHTS will be running from 6pm. It is described on the City of Albany website as a “one-of-a-kind interactive art project” involving more than 1000 colour-changing LED glowing orbs the community can use to let its “creativity shine”. Southern Edge Arts will perform fire twirling on the beach from 6.25pm and the drone show will dance into the sky from 7pm. Mr Muller said it had been a long, careful process involving an extensive team of people to put the show together, because “animating and programming 160 drones is no easy feat”. He said the show was “transformative”. “To witness these star-like lights form intricate and emotive shapes, paired with such a beautifully worded and spoken story and sound design is an unforgettable experience,” he said. To reduce congestion at Binalup there will be free shuttle buses running to and from the event from the Albany Boatshed Markets. The buses will run every 15 minutes from 5pm through to 6.45pm before the show, then every 15 minutes again from 7.45pm to 8.30pm.