Unforgettable nights at the Spiegeltent – and it’s not over yet!
FESTIVAL FEVER got in full swing during first weekend of Wexford Spiegeltent Festival and though each of the events received huge praise from the crowds, it was only a flavour of what was to come.
Week two kicked off on a high note as local singer WOLFF rocked the quay with his grungy rock riffs. After playing alongside some bigname acts around the festival circuit, the Rosslare native was warmly welcomed back home by crowds of loyal fans.
One of the biggest acts of the moment Corner Boy amped up the volume on Wednesday night as they made their return to the Spiegeltent. Having played the festival for three years running, the quayside venue has seen the lads transition and grow and most would agree that at the most recent show, they were certainly at the top of their game. Though it was a much cooler environment than their last venue in Dubai, the audience themselves were kept warm by rocking out to big hits ‘Morning, Morning’. ‘ Till the End’ among others. The crowd were treated to double the entertainment as Hermitage Green hit the stage for their moment in the spotlight. Though the band only released their debut album in recent months, they have become well-known names on the pub and festival scenes and have been tipped as the next big thing.
The festival took a country twist on Thursday as Mike Denver and guests Brian Coll and Gloria took to the mic for a night of swinging and singing. Though his first album was released thirteen years ago, Mike’s proved he is still a hit with his fans and the crowds came in their droves to hear him perform.
The first of the festival’s comedy shows saw funnyman Al Porter take to the stage armed with his signature cheeky quips and overwhelming honesty. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place as Al’s side-splitting jokes had everyone crying with laughter. Tommy Tiernan had the audience hanging onto his every word on Saturday as he brought his Under the Influence tour to the tent. Nobody was safe as the theatrical performer poked fun at people from all walks of life on the night. Owing to his popularity, Tommy was asked to make a return on the Saturday night and the show proved to be as good as the first.
Everyone’s favourite puppet Bosco warmed the hearts of the young and the young at heart when he made a welcome return to the Spiegeltent on Sunday. Sporting his signature stripey clothes, Bosco added a touch of nostalgia to the weekend’s festivities. This was continued when The Bootleg Beatles hit the stage later on to play an authentic tribute to one of the biggest bands the world has ever known. They were followed by some double trouble as The Ocelots and Basciville teamed up to play an electric gig.
The next gig wasn’t until Tuesday but it was certainly well worth the wait. Christy Moore’s highly-anticipated sold-out gig pulled in huge crowds who sang along with his every word. For those who missed him, he will play a second gig this Thursday so it’s time to get brushing up on your lyrical knowledge.
Tomorrow ( Wednesday) Milton Jones and Foil Arms & Hog will team up for a comedy gig like no other. From the sublime to the ridiculous, there will be no holds barred.
The haunting sound of Little Green Cars will echo around the Spiegeltent on Friday night before the spooky sounds of the Freak Fantastique Halloween Ball takes over late in the night. Kids of all ages can channel their inner superhero at the Superhero Circus on Saturday, which promises to be full of non-stop family fun entertainment.
The Saw Doctors will return for the first time since 2012 on Saturday and are sure to play some of their best loved songs with the effervescent energy they are known best for. Meanwhile, Wexford Male Voice Choir will perform a seated show on Sunday in an event that is being billed as unmissable.
For lovers of the dear departed Father Ted, Further Ted is a hilarious show that brings three of the most memorable characters – Joe Rooney (Father Damo), Patrick McDonnell (Eoin McLove) and Michael Redmond (Father Stone) – together for a night of stand-up and musical comedy in the Spiegeltent on Sunday night. To finish things off on a high note, The Riptide Movement will perform on Sunday night, marking an end to the festival for another year.