THE Wonderland Spiegeltent will throw its doors open on Thursday night as Carnivale weekend draws closer.

The eye-catching travelling performance tent has been erected at Dixie Park in anticipation for Carnivale, and will host a string of shows leading up to the most famous weekend on the Port Douglas calendar.

Wonderland Spiegeltent owner and operator Colin Davis, from Knockout Events, said ticket sales for all shows were ‘incredibly strong’ and urged punters to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Comedy star Jimeon’s gig (Thursday 18 May) has already sold out along with the popular Paradise on a Plate Longest Lunch on Carnivale Friday (May 20).

Davis said the visibility of the tent had generated a lot of public interest.

“There’s no doubt there’s been a lot of intrigue since the tent has gone up,” Davis said.

“Because of our capacity we think a lot of our shows will sell out, so we’re encouraging people to have a look at the program and secure their tickets now.

“We’ve sold out a few of the shows and taken calls from people disappointed they’d missed out, so jump on-line and have a look.”

The Spiegeltent will be the festival hub of Carnivale this year with non-stop live entertainment beginning with the premiere of circus-cabaret extravaganza LIMBO on Thursday night.

The quirky Kransky Sisters show Piece of Cake (Saturday 21 May) is selling fast as is the sizzling burlesque inspired Vamp & Burn (Saturday May 21).

American blues musician Big Daddy Wilson and Lloyd Spiegel are also attracting attention and will perform in the famous tent this Sunday from 4pm.

A licensed outdoor bar will also be set up for the tents stay in town.

People can purchase tickets to any of the Wonderland Spiegeltent performances or Carnivale events online at www.carnivale.com.au or down at their office at the Reef Marina.

“We realized when we got here that there are a lot people who don’t book online or they live out a bit further and there service is bad,” Davis said.

“If that’s the case then get down to the Marina office which is open from 9am-5pm and purchase your tickets there.”

A box office will also be setup in Dixie Park by the Spiegeltent from Thursday.