Here’s what went down when the giant spider from Glastonbury’s Arcadia invaded London

Last weekend, Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was occupied by a 50-tonne fire breathing spider and the 360-degree experimental sensory laboratory called The Reactor. No, it’s not the start of a dystopian film: The Reactor is an immersive dance floor and the huge spider means that Glastonbury’s famous anarchic arachnid had descended on London. Celebrating Arcadia’s 10th anniversary, the crew brought theatre, circus and, of course, some madly brilliant live sets to the bank holiday weekend. Here’s what went down.

1
I got sunshine

Arcadia 2018

Punters were blessed with glorious weather over the two day event. The perfect accompaniment to a weekend of killer sets from Rudimental, Preditah and Dusky.

2
On fire

Arcadia London 2018

Of course, no Arcadia event would be complete without their iconic 50-tonne spider. Built out of repurposed military hardware, it explores the relationship between “technology and human intent” by turning tech used for destruction into “unifying experience”. Basically, everyone had the best dance of their life accompanied by a stellar line-up of DJs.

3
It’s show time

Arcadia London 2018

Arcadia’s signature show, Metamorphosis, was as breathtaking as ever; boasting circus performers swinging above the crowds performing tricks and fully immersive theatre.

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4
Light it up

Arcadia London 2018

The weekender also marked the launch of Arcadia’s brand new 360-degree immersive dancefloor experience called The Reactor with mad sets from Eats Everything and Boyz Noize.

5
Flashing lights

Arcadia London 2018

The Reactor was buzzing throughout the weekend, with the hexagonal space being turned into a huge geometric matrix with their wicked light show.

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