Spiegeltent Festival continues to thrill
RUNNING almost in tandem with Wexford Festival Opera, the Wexford Spiegeltent Festival continues to draw the crowds to the quayfront for a nightly spectacle of shows from international, national and local stars.
For the past eight years the vintage venue has been a welcome three-week addition to the town’s entertainment calendar and this year’s line-up is considered to be one of the best to date.
Hosted by local company Lantern Events, the unique Spiegeltent Festival runs until Bank Holiday Monday, October 28.
Some shows are long sold out, including both performances by The Coronas, Neil Delamere, and Sinead O’Connor, and tickets are selling fast for many of the other remaining gigs. Among the local artist highlights is a rare Spiegeltent performance from the celebrated Pierce Turner on WFO opening night. He’ll follow the traditional fireworks display with a show in the Paradiso Spiegeltent from 9 p.m.
Another local highpoint is the return to the Spiegeltent by Wexford Male Voice Choir whose Monday, October 28, afternoon performance has to be one of the best value events on the festival calendar at an admission price of €10.
Other selected highlights on a talent-packed bill include a Wexford visit by Wild Youth, the Dublin band who recently supported Westlife at Croke Park and headlined at Longitude; and Westmeath four-piece The Academic who played a storming set in the Spiegeltent last year, their very first Wexford gig.
Fans will welcome the return of old favourite Jack Lukeman who is marking the 20th anniversary of his first - and highly rated - album ‘Metropolis Blue’ with a special ‘in the round’ show. And there’s another class act in the Spiegeltent on October 27 when Conor O’Brien’s acclaimed Villagers take the stage. Friday, October 18, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 18, 10 p.m.
Saturday, October 19, 7 p.m. Villagers appear in the Spiegeltent on Sunday, October 27. Wild Youth visit the Spiegeltent on Saturday, October 26.
Brand new show with Reginald at his controversial and hilarious best.
Annual Spiegeltent Festival event with renowned electro-swing band Swingrowers. Dapper gents and exquisitely gowned Gatsby ladies will drink champagne late into the evening.
Fresh from a sellout tour, top comic returns with an unmissable new show, ‘End of Watch’.
Saturday October 19, 10 p.m. & Sunday, October 20, 8 p.m.
A double from hottest tickets fresh from playing some of their biggest shows including a sold out 3Arena performance and playing to 15,000 fans at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
Sunday, October 20, 2 p.m.
High octane American-style wrestling comes to Wexford.
Tuesday, October 22, 9 p.m.
Wexford man comes home for an expected explosive performance on Opera Festival fireworks night.
Wednesday, October 23, 8 p.m.
UK based The Rag Dolls will take you on a musical journey of one of the most successful bands of all time.
Thursday, October 24, 7 p.m.
Iconic Irish singer returns to the stage after a fouryear absence. Thursday, October 24, 10 p.m.
Wexford set from festival favourites who won the Best Irish Act award at the Pure M Awards in November.
Friday, October 25, 7 p.m.
Special in the round performance celebrating the 20th anniversary of debut original album Metropolis Blue.
Friday, October 25, 10 p.m.
Hit duo Conor Adams and Lar Kaye in performance, with support from Somebody’s Child.
Saturday, October 26, 7 p.m.
Johnny B, Johnny Smacks, producer Maura Lauren and of course Noel Furlong on their World Tour.
Saturday, October 26, 10 p.m.
‘A group on the edge of something great’ (Hot Press) fresh from an incredibly busy summer of huge stadium shows. Pierce Turner appears in the Spiegeltent on Fireworks Night, October 22. Sunday, October 27, 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 27, 11 p.m.
Monday, October 28, 2 p.m.
Monday, October 28, 8 p.m. All Tvvins (Conor Adams and Lar Kaye) play the Spiegeltent on Friday, October 25.
Recently returned from a sold-out UK and European tour, Villagers perform award winning hits from the back catalogue.
Brutish brass, bloodcurdling cabaret and a feverish freak show.
Performers will include Stomptown Brass and Missy Fortune.
Popular local choir - founded by Dr George Hadden in 1941 - return to the Spiegeltent with wide repertoire ranging from ecclesiastical to operatic to modern classics.
Tickets are just €10.
Back due to phenomenal demand, Westmeath’s The Academic return with their electric live show.