CPL’s Dragonfly Projection Shines Brighter at Glastonbury 2025

Arcadia’s Dragonfly at Glastonbury 2025 soared to new creative and technical heights, with CPL delivering its most ambitious projection package yet. This year, CPL expanded the use of high-powered projectors to cover not only the Dragonfly’s body but, for the first time, its tail—transforming the entire 13-metre-wide sculpture into a fully immersive, animated canvas. This innovation amplified the sense of movement and storytelling, making the Dragonfly appear even more lifelike and captivating for the audience.

The project was a collaboration between Arcadia founders Bertie Cole and Pip Rush, technical manager Katie Davies, and creative partners including Dave Whiteoak of Video Illusions, Ben Rushton-Vaughan of Cucumber Productions, and content creators Astral Projekt. Hive’s Beeblade Nexus media engines and software ensured precise synchronization of projection, LED, and lighting effects, all powered sustainably by Grid Faeries.

This year’s show also continued to incorporate the powerful Waraloo ceremony, developed in collaboration with the Wadjuk Noongar nation of Perth, Australia, blending ancient Aboriginal storytelling with cutting-edge technology and performance.

Widely regarded as the best Dragonfly show yet, the 2025 installation was praised for its expanded projection mapping, including the dramatic tail visuals, seamless integration of technology and art, and the unforgettable energy brought by the stellar DJ lineup. Together, CPL, Arcadia, and their partners set a new standard for immersive festival experiences.

To bring this vision to life, CPL deployed six 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 2025 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)