Wonderland Spiegeltent steals the show at Port Douglas Carnivale

BUSINESS FEATURE

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Enchantment and laughter as Port Douglas Carnivale came alive with the Wonderland Spiegeltent. Picture: Wonderland Spiegeltent Port Douglas

Once again, Port Douglas came alive with enchantment and excitement during the recent Port Douglas Carnivale as the Wonderland Spiegeltent, a national arts and entertainment festival Hub, took centre stage, leaving audiences in awe and laughter.

Melissa Head, Director of Wonderland Entertainment and Leisure, who is the producer of the Wonderland Spiegeltent Festival Hub, had curated a diverse range of performances, for adults and families, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.

The event this year had immense community spirit with many Far North Queenslanders visiting Port Douglas for the many festivities. The event also brings much needed economy for Port Douglas businesses, restaurants and accommodation.

From the Popcorn Underground Cabaret and Late Night Debauched, offering cheeky fun for the adults, to the magical Circus Wonderland - A Neverland Adventure for families, the Wonderland Spiegeltent truly delivered on its promise of providing a remarkable experience.

Overwhelming feedback

With full houses during the Carnivale weekend, the Wonderland Spiegeltent created an electric atmosphere and combined magical sunsets and Pina colada Cocktails.

“The energy and atmosphere during Port Douglas Carnivale is always electric. From the parade, the beach day, live events, great food and the vibe of Port Douglas during this time, our expectations are always exceeded,” Ms Head said.

The feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their delight at the unique and magical atmosphere of the Wonderland Spiegeltent.

One patron described it as a "wonderful venue and an unusual space” which brings you close to the performers, “making you feel much more personally involved”.

Another visitor praised its stunning atmosphere and said “we’re lucky to have such a thing in our tiny town”. Many people were “blown away” by the event and were “transported back in time”.

Sven and Jan direct from Germany World renowned roller skate duo were a highlight as well with their daring deaf defying and daring act which left the audience gasping and added an element of wonder to the already extraordinary performances.

Magical moments

Among the many captivating moments, one stood out as truly magical – the performers swimming with the crocs. This daring act left the audience spellbound and added an element of wonder to the already extraordinary performances.

Ms Head said this was certainly a magical moment.

“I love sharing our Wonderful Port Douglas region with all performers we bring to Port Douglas,” she said.

“It is always their first time here and we are very thankful for the opportunity given by The Wildlife Habitat who gave our performers a special tour of the Zoo, meeting Max the Cockatoo and feeding the kangaroos before swimming with the crocs in the croc Arena Attraction. Our cast were truly amazed and had never experienced anything like this before.”

Special thanks


As the curtains closed on this year's Carnivale, Ms Head expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the Spiegeltent performances.

 

“Also special thanks to The Shaolin for the delicious Prawn luncheon sail, beach accommodation, CUB Great Northern, Triple M, Cairns Post and of course Newsport. Thank you to Hemingway's Salsa's team

 

“During the Longest Lunch we were also super grateful to work with the Carnivale team and have the incredible Gingzilla and Kelly-Ann Doll perform there,” Ms Head added. “A lovely addition to the delicious experience.”

 

As the curtains closed on this year's Carnivale, Wonderland Spiegeltent proprietors Colin Davis and Melissa Head expressed gratitude and thank you to all the locals, visitors and the community for embracing and welcoming our performers to the town. We love you all and we love Port Douglas.

 

“Thank you to Douglas shire and TPDD and the many sponsors and supporters for having us a part of Port Douglas Carnivale and we cannot wait until 2024 to celebrate 30 years of Port Douglas Carnivale and we are working on something extra special and amazing to celebrate this milestone.”

 

For more information on Wonderland Spiegeltent go to www.wonderlandspiegeltent.com.au


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