A decade of rave at Arcadia

Bristol-based set designers Arcadia have been mesmerising revellers and ravers across the world with their awe-inspiring creations for the past ten years. Founded by Pip Rush and Bert Cole, Arcadia’s most recognisable work is a 50-tonne fire-breathing spider, from which circus performers dangle, lightning shoots and world-class DJs spin the decks on. The structures that the company creates are a fusion between the need for recycling, the love of partying, and the art of sculpting.

Before starting Arcadia, both Pip and Bert built structures for concerts, while also collectively thinking something was missing. What they were working on lacked the visual spectacle their later work would become known for. With that in mind they decided to break out on their own, starting out in a cow shed turning an old jet engine into a stage, which became their first collaboration.

Arcadia travelled for a couple of years, spending some time in London before eventually putting down roots near Temple Meads Station in Bristol. “The doors are open here in Bristol like nowhere else,” explains Pip. “Other places we’ve been based, it seemed like the authorities had a problem with what we were doing, whereas in Bristol it feels like they are on our side. One thing about Bristol that I’ve always noticed though is a sense of freedom. It’s is a very special place and we owe Bristol and the people of Bristol a lot.”

Arcadia’s world-famous Spider is made from recycled military parts

Arcadia’s creations are primarily made from recycled materials – not always an easy task. “Finding what we need is becoming more tricky,” Pip admits. “We’ve even started to look for parts in Europe, but that’s how you find the best stuff. We get a real kick out of using things that have an interesting history to them.” Their spider, for example, is made from parts of disused military vehicles.

Making a venue more than just a stage is becoming more and more popular. Festivals are starting to move on from the mundane big-top tents and Arcadia are flying the flag for that transition. “Festivals are growing into more than just musical events: they are something to be experienced. So the idea of having a giant spectacle for a stage is getting bigger and we are just happy to be part of that,” Pip says.

Arcadia are festival favourites and have been regulars on the scene for a decade

The spider and other stages made by Arcadia have been to some of the biggest and best parties around the world, including Glastonbury Festival and Burning Man in Nevada. However, to celebrate their tenth anniversary, Arcadia are throwing a monumental party all of their own. Over the May bank holiday weekend, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London will become home to all manner of wonderous stages and installations.

It’s a suitably impressive line-up for such a big party: on Saturday attendees can become hypnotised by Techno legend Sven Väth and electric music pioneers Leftfield, while Sunday’s line up has a whole lot more bass, with sets from Rudimental and Noisia. “We’ve done little gigs of our own over the years, but this is the first time we’ve managed to get everything all together,” Pip says. “We’re over the moon about it. It’s going to be huge.”

Arcadia Spectacular takes place from May 5-6 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Find out more and buy tickets at www.arcadiaspectacular.com