AstroStands x Defqon

In 2022, Defqon became partner for placement of AstroStands. For this commission, we developed eight fire effects which, combined with a bespoke lighting narrative, brought our cosmic story to life!  The installation was positioned along a central walkway, encountered daily by approximately ninety thousand visitors! The positive response led to a follow-up commission and further expansion. A variation of the installation was also presented at Paaspop where it was seen by more than sixty thousand visitors. That same year, we created an initial scale model to explore different spatial configurations.

During Midsummer Night 2023, AstroLoop premiered at Defqon. With additional funding, we expanded to a twelvefold circular configuration, adding four industrial stands largely constructed from re-used materials. Around the nearly fifty-meter-wide circle, symbolic panels were installed, complemented by twelve new archetypal symbols on the interior. During this process of invention the name Steelhenge organically arose. So that’s what it is.

A new star temple for the world!

We are grateful for the festivals support, while working toward a future in which Steelhenge can exist independently. Defqon fully supports this ambition. AstroLoop returnd to the festival in its original form until 2025 as a central monument and meetingground. From the summer of 2026 Steelhenge it will have its own location at the sculpture field of Defqon with a emmersive light and soundscape! To be continued!