Toronto's First-Ever Cinematic Drone Show Lands at Fort York This Summer
TORONTO, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - On August 19, the skies above Fort York will come alive like never before. The Origin of Light — a groundbreaking collaboration between Illumin Drone Shows and Portal Nine Experiences — will transform Toronto's skyline into a living narrative told through hundreds of precision drones, a 15-piece live orchestra, and soul-stirring vocals.
This one-night-only event is more than a show — it's a cinematic revelation in the sky. Illumin Drone Shows, fresh off their Canada's Got Talent finale, leads the charge with breathtaking aerial formations that depict the journey of Lyra, a celestial being rising from silence through darkness and into light. The story unfolds high above the audience in choreographed light and motion, set against a sweeping score performed by the Ontario Pops Orchestra under Maestro Carlos Bastidas.
Vocalists — including Filipina-Canadian artist Arlene Paculan — bring emotional resonance to the performance, grounding the spectacle in raw human feeling.
"This isn't just a drone show — it's a sensory pilgrimage," says Christian Ilumin, founder of Illumin Drone Shows. "We designed every moment to hit like cinema — to surround you, move you, and leave you changed."
"This is a return to wonder," adds co-creator Lianne Baron of Portal Nine. "It's a modern myth told through the elements — sky, sound, and story — inside one of Toronto's most sacred spaces."
With limited capacity and rare approval to stage inside Fort York's inner walls, The Origin of Light is expected to be one of the summer's most unforgettable cultural events.
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Global News
4 hours ago
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City fines Montreal church for hosting MAGA-affiliated singer Sean Feucht
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Calgary Herald
9 hours ago
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'Gizmo', 'Satan,' and 'McLovin': Inside the changing world of pilot call signs at CFB Cold Lake
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Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Vancouver Sun
U.S. Christian musician Sean Feucht show set for Alberta legislature grounds in Edmonton
A pro-Trump and Christian singer whose events on his east coast Canadian tour have had to be moved to alternate venues after being cancelled is slated to play at the Alberta legislature grounds in August. U.S. musician Sean Feucht has faced protests and cancellations this week on the first leg of his cross-country tour which is slated to stop on Aug. 22 in Edmonton for a performance at the grounds' south bandshell. A spokesperson for Alberta Infrastructure said in a statement tour organizers had submitted an incomplete event permit application for the event. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'We are taking steps to help organizers submit a complete application,' it reads, noting the event must comply with 'security protocols, public safety, and venue guidelines.' The statement did not address questions about if the show would go ahead or the possible need for heightened security. The guidelines for use of the Alberta Legislature Grounds state applications must be submitted four weeks in advance, with applicants mandated to have at least $2 million in liability insurance, a security plan, and proof of permits and licences, among other requirements. Feucht describes himself as a musician, missionary, author and activist, and has drawn opposition for his affinity for U.S. President Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again Movement as well as his views on abortion, gender, and the LGBT community. He was scheduled to play at the York Redoubt National Historic Site in Halifax last Wednesday but Parks Canada revoked the event's permit, citing 'evolving safety and security considerations' amid potential protests and following consultation with police. The event later went ahead when a local farmer opened his field for the singer and his audience. Since then, events in Charlottetown, Fredericton, Quebec City, Moncton, and Gatineau, Que. have been cancelled with organizers citing security concerns, permitting issues, or local codes of conduct. On social media, Feucht said his shows went on after alternate venues were found. 'Venues have now been replaced and these cities will hear from lawyers soon,' he posted late Thursday. On Friday night, his event in Montreal went ahead amid protests and a smoke bomb being thrown on stage despite a warning from the city that the church he was performing at hadn't secured the proper permit. He stated on social media that organizers had secured a permit that was later cancelled, and claimed to be bringing his experience to the attention of the U.S. president. 'I've been in touch with senior White House officials and they are watching what is unfolding with blatant Christian persecution in Canada,' he posted. Feucht was scheduled to play Sunday in Vaughn, Ont., outside of Toronto but the city told Postmedia that it had cancelled the event's permit 'on the basis of health and safety as well as community standards and well-being.'
