Fake drone light show in Cork prompts council warning over online ticket sales

Council says no permission granted for advertised drone show as scam page circulates offering tickets and event packages

A security man on patrol in a near deserted Fitzgerald’s Park in Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

Cork City Council has told people to exercise caution before paying for ticketed events after a scam page advertising a drone light show in Fitzgerald’s Park circulated on social media.

A Facebook post advertising the event says: “Limerick, Galway, Cork, Dublin — the Irish sky is about to light up!

“Hundreds of synchronised drones will create a spectacular light show above your city. A magical evening for the whole family, couples and everyone who wants to experience something truly extraordinary.” 

The post states the event will run over six nights — May 1, 2 and 3, as well as May 8, 9 and 10 — and that one free drink and a “special menu” are included.

The Facebook page links to a website where tickets are available. It says the show will last an hour and a half.

The website advises that with a ticket, attendees will receive access to the main show, three dishes on site from either an adult, child or vegan menu, a synchronised LED wristband and official show merchandise “so you can glow along with the drones”, and “exclusive background access to meet the programming and technical team behind the show”.

Tickets start at €17, and the advert claims limited seats are available, while also promising free cancellation up to 48 hours before the event and advising people to “book your spot before it's too late”.

The site, which is still live, claims to have 471 reviews and a five-star rating.

Payment is accepted through PayPal, debit and credit card providers, Google Pay and Apple Pay. It is unclear how many, if any, people have purchased tickets to one of the six Cork shows advertised.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council told the  Irish Examiner: “Cork City Council has become aware of online ads promoting a drone light show in Fitzgerald’s Park. The Council has given no permissions for the staging of any such event in the city park.

“We would urge the public to check official sources for information (Cork City Council’s social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook) about events in public parks, and to exercise caution before paying online for ticketed events in ads like these.

“If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of online advertisements, you can report them to the platform on which they appear.”