FESTIVAL’S EXPLOSIVE KICK-OFF!
Amy Lewis reports as Spiegeltent Festival kicks off on Wexford Quay
THE ANNUAL Spiegeltent festival got off to an explosive start over the weekend, with Cork crooner Mick Flannery kicking things off on Friday night.
Wexford Quay was awash with the weird, wonderful and everything in between as Rocky Horror fans got in the spirit of things for a screening and performance of the cult classic. Full audience participation was obligatory and the crowds didn’t need to be asked twice.
Over The Top Wrestling on Saturday afternoon certainly packed a punch as a host of colourful characters got into the ring for an American style wrestling extravaganza. Both the afternoon and the evening shows were brimming with enough action to get people of all ages leaping out of their seats.
National treasure Jack L made his return to the Spiegeltent on Saturday and as always, he didn’t disappoint. Crowds packed into the venue to listen to him belt out plenty of classics, coupled with new tunes from his most recent self-penned album.
English singer, songwriter and musician Paul Young proved to be a huge hit with Wexford audiences who came from far and wide to see him perform. The night was full of nostalgia for many as the hit singer performed favourites such as ‘Come Back and Stay’, ‘Love of the Common People’ and ‘Everything Must Change’.
With a jam-packed line-up for the next seven days, there’s a lot more entertainment to come.
Tonight, local talent WOLFF will rock his hometown with his dark, raw sound. Known to friends as Johnny Stewart, this Rosslare native blends traditional blues with trashy garage rock riffs and in-your-face vocals. WOLFF has opened for some big-name acts including Hozier and The Strypes but at tonight’s gig, his own talent will be in the spotlight.
Corner Boy have been everywhere over the past 12 months including Electric Picnic, Westport Festival, Indiependence and Knockanstockan. Having made their mark on the national festival scene, the local heroes are delighted to make their return to the Spiegeltent, where they made headline appearances in 2014 and 2015. Their blend of traditional Irish instruments, folk progressions and contemporary sounds makes them a band worth remembering.
Corner Boy’s unique sound will be nicely accompanied by that of Hermitage Green, who will join them tomorrow night. Only months after releasing their debut album ‘Save Your Soul’, this Irish group have set themselves apart as one of the most exciting Irish bands around.
Thursday night will be full of tunes and chuckles as the stage plays host to both music and comedy acts. Mike Denver and guests Brian Coll and Gloria will take to the mic at 7 p.m. Renowned as Ireland’s most popular country singer, Mike has been blazing the trail in his genre since 2003. With a host of sold out gigs to his name and plenty of awards to boot, his Wexford gig promises to be night to remember.
Later in the night, funnyman Al Porter will bring his gags to the Spiegeltent for another year. His brand new show will be brimming with the cheekiness and honesty that he has become known for, with plenty of fresh gossip to keep the crowds in stitches. From accidentally kidnapping his godson to clubbing with his Ma, the show is guaranteed to feature plenty of entertaining stories.
The comedy will keep on coming on Friday as Tommy Tiernan makes his return to the county. This seasoned comedian is no stranger to the Wexford stage but with his Under the Influence show, he will bring plenty of new material. From the political to the personal, nothing will be safe on the night as when it comes to getting some laughs, the theatrical performer takes no prisoners.
Dust off those flapper dresses and fedora hates as the Prohibition Party on Friday night will bring the twenties back with a roar. There will be plenty of singing and swinging to the sounds of Luke Thomas and The Swing Cats, with their dancing troupe ‘ The Burlesque Babes’ also on board. Guests can gamble for silver dollars while sipping on cocktails from teacups before taking to the floor to learn some moves from professional dancers.
Eighties legends Something Happens will bring their audience on a trip down memory lane on Saturday night when they hit the stage for a highlt-anticipated gig. They will team up with Irish group The 4 of Us, whose smash hit ‘Mary’ remains one of the most played tracks on national radio.
Sunday afternoon will be one for the young and the young at heart as everyone’s favourite puppet Bosco makes a flying visit to Wexford Quay. Expect plenty of colour and nostalgia in this performance, which will be presented by The Lambert Puppet Theatre.
On Sunday night, the Bootleg Beatles will come together to entertain the crowds with an authentic tribute to one of the most famous bands the world has ever known. From their costumes, to their vocals and their Liverpool banter, this group bear a striking resemblance to the real deal, with George Martin himself describing their performances as ‘a terrific show’.
Later on that night there will be double the Wexford tuneage as The Ocelots and Basciville join up for a gig. Twins Brandon and Ashley, otherwise known as The Ocelots, have become renowned for their perfect harmonies and harmonica blues. The double trouble will continue when brothers Cillian and Lorcan Byrne aka Basciville take to the mic. Their take on modern soul and blues takes inspiration from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Jeff Buckley. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that these guys are anything but unique as their infectious sound is completely their own.
Tickets are on sale online and from the Spiegeltent Box Office but with shows booking up fast, it’s best to get them early. From Tuesday, October 25, the show will go on with Christy Moore, Little Green Cars, The Saw Doctors and Ralph McTell among the many acts lined up for the following week.