The story of FPV Drone Fest, one of the most significant drone events in the UK, began with a coincidence. Six months before the first festival, the event organizer found a unique place—a former colliery in Clipstone near Mansfield. On his way back from testing a race track, he noticed people working on something interesting. Intrigued, he decided to take a closer look and met the colliery owner. The enthusiasm of that meeting, combined with the unusual location, inspired him to organize the first FPV festival at that site. Shortly after a successful launch, he knew it was something worth continuing and developing.
Over the past four years, the festival has evolved, becoming not just a place of competition but primarily one of integration and collaboration. This year, the organizers introduced changes, adopting a flight line format similar to American events. This allowed for more efficient time and safety management but, most importantly, created a space for building community.
FPV Drone Fest is supported by, among others, Camera Centre UK, which recognized the potential of the growing FPV community. Although the company traditionally specializes in photography and video equipment, they are keenly observing the development of this segment, which is gaining popularity. Representatives from Camera Centre UK emphasize that engaging with the festival allows them to understand better the community’s needs, which may lead to expanding their FPV gear offerings in the future.
The participants' enthusiasm and new friendships formed at the festival convinced the organizers that this event had enormous potential. For new FPV pilots, they advise starting by building a drone themselves, which not only develops skills but also provides the confidence to take on new challenges.
As the festival developed, the organizers consistently emphasized the safety of participants. Numerous protective measures, such as nets, designated flight zones, and walking paths, along with comprehensive risk assessments, are standard. The FPV Drone Fest team has received accreditation from the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and BMFA (British Model Flying Association), which demonstrates a professional approach to risk management. Every year, the festival enjoys immense interest—tickets for each edition sell out quickly, reflecting the growing popularity of this event.
FPV Drone Fest has become a meeting place for both new and experienced pilots. The steady development of FPV technology—from analogue goggles to modern digital systems—sets a new standard for flight experiences. The organizers emphasize that the festival is not just a platform for showcasing equipment but, more importantly, a place for exchanging experiences and building friendships.
The collaboration with partners such as Jem Fans and VCI is based on shared values, benefiting both sponsors and participants. This year’s edition attracted guests from Colombia, the USA, France, Germany, Spain, Norway, Poland, and Portugal. Such an international group of participants presents high expectations for organizers, particularly in terms of safety and organization.
FPV Drone Fest is a unique event in the UK, focusing on freestyle drone flying on a large scale. The atmosphere at the festival is exceptional, and participants highlight its unique vibe. The event offers not only competition but also an opportunity for learning, development, and meeting FPV enthusiasts from around the world.
The festival continues to evolve, with its organizers focusing on uniting the community, promoting the hobby, and encouraging new people to get involved in this exciting field. Each edition brings new challenges, more prizes, and even better organization, which builds the festival’s reputation.
For everyone just starting their adventure with FPV, the organizers have simple advice: keep flying, meet other enthusiasts, and enjoy the process. Every flight is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create unforgettable experiences. Consistency and practice are the keys to success, so they encourage bold actions to try new tricks and overcome personal limitations—it’s part of the journey to mastery.
Editor Maria Anna Furman