Question marks have been raised over whether the Spiegeltent will return for Brighton Festival Fringe 2010.

In a press release issued yesterday no mention was made of the venue and organisers have refused to comment on whether it would be at the Old Steine in May.

It is feared the key site could now be without its star attraction.

There are a number of different Spiegeltents, including The Famous Spiegeltent and the Parlure Spiegeltent, which took over Old Steine site last year after the Udderbelly did not return for the 2009 fringe.

Bosses decided not to bring the giant upside-down purple cow venue back to Brighton, saying it was not viable because audience numbers were too low on weekdays.

The mystery surrounding the venue did not dampen spirits at the VIP launch of the fringe at the Thistle Hotel in Brighton last night.

Tickets were sold at the event to Friends of the Fringe - a month earlier than ever before.

Details of this year’s programme were also announced.

Popular shows are expected to include dance troupe the Cholmondeleys and the Featherstonehaughs performing at The Nightingale Theatre.

There will also be a drama called I am a Warehouse at Newhaven Fort, a play by Brighton Theatre about the bombing of a UN warehouse in Palestine.

A number of new venues have also been announced.

They include a globe tent at St Peter’s Church, which will be programmed by artistic production company Freerange.

The Old Courtroom will present Bitesize Theatre plays and a weekend festival Meadowland, which will feature bands and theatre, will be held at Glynde Place near Lewes.