According to new documents, the new Universal Studios park coming to Great Britain will not have a nightly fireworks show but may have drone shows.
Universal Studios Great Britain Nighttime Spectacular
The document is a request for planning permission that Universal previously stated they had sent to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It was made public on Thursday, July 3.
According to the request, “No more than 10 Fireworks shows are permitted each year,” so the park would only utilize pyrotechnics on special occasions. Universal states that at least five of these would be Chinese New Year, 5th of November, Diwali, or New Year’s Eve, which may have a performance after 11 p.m.
The request also includes requirements for pyrotechnics stored on site. They will be Hazard Type 4 as defined by HM Government in “The Explosives Regulations 2014.” The quantity of explosives stored will be no more than 4,000 kg.
Though there won’t be fireworks every day, there can be drone shows. There are no details about the content or frequency of potential drone shows, but the request lists guidelines for drone clearance.
The nighttime spectacular of Universal Studios Florida includes drones, though they were temporarily suspended for a few months following an incident involving a falling drone elsewhere in Orlando. The show, “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular,” recreates famous characters like Toothless, the Jaws shark, King Kong, and Princess Peach with drones. It also incorporates projections, lighting, and water effects.
Universal Studios Great Britain (a placeholder name) will be constructed in Bedford, England. Universal announced the park in April 2025 and said it would open in 2031. It’s rumored to include James Bond, Paddington, and “Lord of the Rings.” Universal also trademarked “Halloween Horror Nights” in the U.K., suggesting the annual event could cross the pond.
Universal expects the park to welcome an estimated 8.5 million visitors in the park’s first year. Construction will begin next year.
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