Sandown Park has seen plenty of history since it first opened its gates back in 1875 as Britain’s very first purpose-built racecourse.
For over a century and a half, it has stood as a flagship destination for the UK’s most prestigious flat and jump racing, including the historic Eclipse Stakes.
This summer, however, the legendary grounds are swapping thundering hooves for pure, high-tech spectacle.
31 July 2026 21:30 + more dates
In a massive first for the 151-year-old venue—alongside its equally famous sister site, Kempton Park—the sprawling racecourses will serve as the open-air backdrop for the DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™.
Taking over the sky for four nights only, a staggering 1,200-drone swarm will completely transform the historic skyline to celebrate the iconic Harry Potter™ film series.
Here is everything you need to know about the colossal outdoor event.
A cinematic spectacle in the sky 🎇
Forget standard fireworks.
This 60-minute aerial display uses cutting-edge swarm intelligence to recreate the most breathtaking visuals from the Harry Potter™ film series.
By sending 1,200 synchronized, illuminated drones hundreds of feet into the air, the show paints massive, high-definition formations across the night sky.
Because Sandown Park and Kempton Park sit comfortably away from the heavy light pollution of Central London, their sprawling, pitch-black skies provide the absolute perfect canvas for the drones to pop with incredibly vibrant color. It’s a scale that simply couldn’t be achieved in a city-center park.
Live strings and interactive crowds 🎻
The visual scale is only half the experience.
As the drone swarm forms giant cinematic moments overhead, the entire performance is anchored by a live electric violinist.
They’ll be performing the sweeping, recognizable scores from the film series right on the grounds, elevating the visual display into a fully immersive concert.
Organizers are also making sure the crowd is part of the show.
Every attendee will be handed an interactive LED wristband upon arrival, syncing the entire grandstand with the drones and the music.
It’s an immersive touch that ensures Muggles™ feel entirely connected to the cinematic display unfolding above them.
Grandstand views and festival food 🍔
One of the biggest advantages of taking over world-class racing venues is the built-in infrastructure.
Instead of craning your neck from a crowded, muddy field, you can take in the drone formations from elevated, tiered grandstand seating.
Before the sun sets and the drones launch, the racecourse grounds will be fully activated.
The venues are hosting buzzing open-air food villages, meaning you can arrive early to grab street food, themed refreshments, and official merchandise while soaking up the summer festival atmosphere.
The essential details 📌
Because of the massive scale and airspace requirements, this event is strictly limited to just four nights this summer.
Organizers highly recommend arriving early to enjoy the food and merch, as late entry may not be permitted once the drones are prepped for flight.
Dress warmly, as it is a fully outdoor, nighttime event!
Kempton Park Racecourse (Sunbury-on-Thames)
- Dates: July 31 & August 1, 2026
- Times: Doors open at 7:30 PM | Show starts at 9:30 PM
- Perk: Free parking is available on-site!
Sandown Park Racecourse (Esher)
- Dates: August 7 & August 8, 2026
- Times: Doors open at 7:15 PM | Show starts at 9:15 PM
Tickets & Admission
- Price: Available now online starting at £40.
- Age Requirement: All ages are welcome, and kids under 3 can attend for free!
