176 Drones Over Rockingham Castle: When History Lit Up the Sky

What do you get when you combine nearly 1,000 years of history with cutting-edge technology? At Rockingham Castle, the answer was a night to remember. On a crisp evening several weeks ago, 176 drones lit up the skies above the ancient stronghold in a dazzling display of light, story, and innovation - the first show of its kind for this remarkable site.

Delivered in collaboration with MLE Pyrotechnics, the drone display reached a maximum height of 140 metres and spanned 170 metres across the sky, transforming the landscape into a living storybook of Rockingham’s storied past. From soaring falcons to fiery crowns and ghostly battlements, each sequence was a nod to the centuries of drama, conflict, and legacy embedded in the very stones of the castle.

Better still, all 176 drones were designed and manufactured in the UK, at MLE’s Northamptonshire HQ — a rare and proud detail in an industry dominated by imported tech. The result? A uniquely British spectacle, both in story and in craftsmanship.

Rockingham Castle: The Perfect Backdrop for a Modern Spectacle

Perched high above the Welland Valley, Rockingham Castle has stood for nearly 1,000 years. Originally built by William the Conqueror as a strategic stronghold, it later became a royal hunting lodge, a Tudor family home, and even a Civil War battleground.

In the 19th century, it was lovingly restored — and hosted none other than Charles Dickens, who is believed to have drawn inspiration from the house for Bleak House. Today, it remains in the care of the Saunders Watson family, blending history, heritage, and hospitality.

It’s hard to imagine a more fitting setting for a night where the past met the future — with 176 drones lighting up the sky, telling the castle’s story in spectacular, high-tech style.

A New Chapter in Heritage Storytelling

The drone show wasn’t just about lights in the sky — it was about telling the story of Rockingham Castle in a bold new way. At HeritageXplore, we’re reimagining how the public can connect with the UK’s historic houses. Working with the team at MLE Pyrotechnics, we transformed this thousand-year-old site into an open-air theatre of light and legacy.

Whether you’re a drone enthusiast, history lover, or simply someone seeking a magical night out, this show offered something unforgettable. And the best bit? We’ll be taking the drone show to more historic houses across the UK this year.