Arcadia’s New Dragonfly stage at Glastonbury 2024 captivated audiences with its innovative blend of technology, art, and historical significance. The centerpiece was a colossal mechanical dragonfly, crafted from a repurposed helicopter with a storied past, brought to life through advanced projection mapping and immersive storytelling.

CPL was invited to support the team, including Dave Whiteoak from Video Illusions and Ben Vaughn from Cucumber Productions, to provide a projection package that brought their design to life. This stunning visual experience transformed the Dragonfly into a dynamic spectacle.The Dragonfly stage, replacing the iconic Arcadia spider, hosted an impressive lineup of world-class DJs, including Fatboy Slim, Amelie Lens, Joy Orbison, and Barry Can’t Swim.

The collaboration not only enhanced the festival atmosphere but also conveyed a powerful message of transformation and renewal, showcasing Arcadia’s commitment to creative recycling and environmental consciousness. The Dragonfly’s debut at Glastonbury 2024 marked a new chapter for Arcadia, pushing the boundaries of festival experiences and leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

At the heart of the installation was an ex-Royal Navy helicopter that had served in the Falklands conflict. Bertie Cole (co-founder and Technical Ditector), Pip Rush (creative Director) and the Arcadia team transformed this decommissioned military aircraft into the Dragonfly, symbolizing the reimagining of tools of war into instruments of art and celebration. This repurposing aligns with Arcadia’s reputation for creating unique, large-scale installations that often incorporate industrial and military equipment, adding layers of meaning to the performance

The Dragonfly stage narrated the tale of the Warraloo, an ancient Aboriginal creation story. This narrative was intricately woven into the performance, with the dragonfly embodying the spirit of the Warraloo, a mythical being responsible for shaping the landscape and creating water sources. The use of a former military aircraft to tell this ancient story created a powerful juxtaposition of past and present, war and peace, destruction and creation.

To bring this vision to life, CPL deployed four Barco UDX-4K32 laser projectors. These state-of-the-art projectors were crucial in creating the immersive experience that Arcadia is known for, while enhancing the significance of the central structure. Key features of the Barco UDX-4K32 projectors included:

• 31,000 lumens output, ensuring vibrant and clear projections even in challenging outdoor conditions
• 4K UHD resolution, providing razor-sharp images that brought intricate details of both the Warraloo story and the helicopter’s texture to life
• 3-chip DLP technology, delivering unmatched colour accuracy and brightness

The projectors were fitted with TLD+ 2.74 – 4.43:1 4k UHD lenses, and were double stacked, meaning two 4K images were overlaid to increase the brightness to the level needed to match that of the dragonfly’s head, which was constructed from transparent hexagonal LED screens, and allowed for the precise mapping onto the complex geometry of the dragonfly structure. Content was delivered to the projectors via Connex CMx2 HDMI fibre optic convertors which allowed solid transmission of Astral Projekt’s 4k custom animations but also allowing control of the projectors via network. Arcadia’s media server managed the video content, blending colours, textures, and animated sequences that respected both the Aboriginal storytelling tradition and the aircraft’s history.

The use of Barco UDX-4K32 projectors significantly enhanced the visual impact of the Dragonfly stage. The high brightness and 4K resolution ensured that every detail of the projection was visible, allowing festival-goers to fully immerse themselves in the Warraloo story while appreciating the transformed helicopter. The anticipation for this installation was palpable, with fans reportedly ready to have their “minds blown” by the flaming Dragonfly installation.

The deployment of Barco UDX-4K32 projectors at Arcadia’s Dragonfly stage for Glastonbury 2024 exemplifies how cutting-edge projection technology can elevate large-scale outdoor performances while respecting and enhancing historical narratives. By seamlessly blending ancient storytelling, modern technology, and repurposed military equipment, Arcadia continues to break new ground in the art of creating original and immersive experiences. This installation not only created unforgettable moments for festival attendees but also served as a powerful statement on the transformation of objects of war into beacons of art and unity.

Pictures courtesy of: Chris Cooper (shotaway.com) and Matt Eachus (TheMancPhotographer)