WITH A larger tent, more diverse acts and an extra day added, the upcoming Spiegeltent Festival is set to be bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event.

Coinciding with the renowned Wexford Opera Festival, last year’s Quayside-based event was such a hit that organisers Barry Ennis and Brian Byrne of Lantern Events decided to up their offering for 2013.

The carnival atmosphere will explode back into CountyWexford for a total of twelve days, from October 23 to November 3.

The brand new Paradiso Spiegeltent is 40% larger than 2012’s festival, and will cater for up to 600 people for standing events and 450 for seated.

Although it is referred to as a tent, festival-goers will be met with the plush surroundings of the fully-heated venue, which will have a full bar and be decorated with velvet ceilings, bevelled mirrors, stained-glass windows and glittering chandeliers.

The authentic circus feel will be elevated this year with a dedicated Carnivale space, which will use original vintage carnival-style attractions from the 1920s.

The unique style of the Paridiso Spiegeltent and the festival itself inspired Mr. Ennis and Mr. Byrne to choose as eclectic a line-up as possible.

Among the superb acts that will grace the venue over the ten days include: comedian Jason Byrne; Bell X1 (which is already sold out); Mick Flannery; Dublin Gospel Choir, Tommy Fleming; Cry Before Dawn;  Jack L; the Carnival Brothers; Caberet Caligari; Phantom of the Opera with a live score and kids event ‘Thingamabob’.

Mr. Byrne explained their choices: “We wanted to cater to our diverse audience who are coming to this very unique venue – from the kids to the older people and everyone in-between. We’re trying to bring high-quality acts that are a bit different so people can have brand-new experiences.”