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Boston Pops drone show wows viewers during July 4 broadcast

techJul 5, 202640687

The Boston Pops paired a drone show with their Esplanade July 4 performance, using drones to illustrate the 1812 Overture with visuals such as a man on a horse evoking Paul Revere, a tall ship tipping crates of tea to recreate the Boston Tea Party, and a closing formation that spelled MA 250. The concert included pieces listeners noted, including Summon the Heroes and Shipping Up to Boston, and an on-air segment showed the Pops performing live to the display; one post said CNN carried the broadcast. Viewers praised the drones as a quieter, wildlife- and veteran-friendly alternative to fireworks, though some called the drone segment lackluster and several accounts said traditional fireworks still followed the drone sequence. One post also noted an ISS astronaut joining Stars and Stripes Forever during the program. Multiple comments suggested drone sequences are likely to become more common, citing other U.S. cities already using drones in place of or ahead of fireworks. The drone finale’s MA 250 branding prompted discussion about local versus national emphasis during the bicentennial-related celebrations.