Arcadia Spider confirmed for Forbidden Forest’s 10th anniversary in 2026

Forbidden Forest has confirmed that the legendary Arcadia Spider will headline its 10th anniversary edition in 2026, marking a UK festival exclusive for the fire-breathing structure. The 50-tonne installation will transform the festival site, with fans able to experience the 360 multi-sensory installation in the heart of Leicestershire’s countryside and be transported to another realm. 

The monumental work - built from 95% recycled materials, with a DJ booth made from Tri Star turbine rotors, legs that were originally UK Government security scanning machines, top ‘muscles’ originating from Gazelle helicopter tails and eye sockets made out of reverse thrust units from Rolls Royce jet engines - will take four days to construct and appear at Forbidden Forest on its 10th anniversary - for one year, and one year only.

Tickets for Forbidden Forest 2026 go on sale in November – sign up now.

Originally designed as a 360-degree rave habitat, the Spider has become a global symbol of rave unity since debuting at Glastonbury. Its arrival at Forbidden Forest adds weight to the festival’s milestone year, which has already teased Chris Stussy as its first confirmed act.

Festival co-owner James Cohen called the booking “unforgettable,” saying: “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the legendary Arcadia Spider to Forbidden Forest in 2026. It’s a huge year for us, marking our tenth chapter, and the addition of this masterpiece is sure to make it unforgettable - not just for us as promoters, but for every single person who’ll witness the scale of this industrial behemoth.”

Arcadia founders Pip Rush and Bert Cole echoed the sentiment, adding: “The unique festival site feels like a natural environment for the Spider and we are wholeheartedly looking forward to working with the team on this huge debut.”

The wider lineup is due this autumn, with more announcements expected in the build-up to November’s ticket release. With the Spider locked in, Forbidden Forest’s tenth anniversary is already shaping up as one of the UK’s standout festival moments of 2026.

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Header image credit: Forbidden Forest

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