Whether you know it as Ten Days on the Island or the Tasmanian International Arts Festival, one thing is for certain: This is going to be one exceptional event.

Australia's only state-wide festival is back for another year, but this time has a new name to replace its old moniker.

The Tasmanian International Arts Festival looks set to be bigger and better than ever, building on a 14-year history that has been bringing art and culture lovers to the state of Tasmania time and time again.

There have been seven festivals of this kind in Tasmania so far, attracting over one million people and generating a significant profit for the community. While this year's event is certainly building on the history of Ten Days on the Island, the new model will be fresh, inspiring and ultimately entertaining.

What's on

The massive program of events takes place from 5-29 March and features everything from cabaret, circus and comedy through to theatre, music and visual arts across a variety of venues.

Start your festival at the Spiegeltent, located on Hobart's waterfront and offering a free opening night spectacular. Inside the tent you'll discover family entertainment and lots of musical treats with local and international acts entertaining audiences throughout the evening. There'll be a silent disco, Ireland's Camille O'Sullivan will perform and there's no doubt plenty more excitement to be revealed.

See the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra perform live at A Taste of Italy, taking place in Latrobe, Stanley and Burnie. Conductor Richard Gill will lead the tour of Baroque music and soloist Lloyd Hudson will showcase some of Vivaldi's best work on the flute and piccolo.

Archie Roach, one of Australia's most significant Indigenous performers, will bring his blend of storytelling and music to the Spiegeltent stage, drawing upon his three-decade long career to speak of his people and Australia. He'll be performing tracks from his first four albums.

For something a bit different, check out All Our Exes Live in Texas. Rounding out the festival on March 27 in the Spiegeltent, this group is made up of four Australian singer-songwriters who come together to perform alt-rock tunes on the ukulele, accordion, mandolin and guitar. The women are charming, playful and incredibly talented, blending four-part harmonies with sweet and strong vocals reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Dolly Parton.

Bring the kids along to experience Justine Clarke singing her heart out in the Spiegeltent near the end of March, with special family ticket prices making it more affordable than ever to have an entertaining day out. Justine is not only an accomplished jazz musician and film star, but she's also beloved for her work on daytime TV show Play School. Her interactive show will encourage your little ones to participate in singing and dancing, and will include hits from her 2013 Aria Award-winning album A Little Day Out.

Where to stay

Relax and unwind after a long day at the festival at your Tasmania holiday accommodation. Mantra One Sandy Bay Road is the perfect destination for this event, thanks to its inner city Hobart location and close vicinity to both the Museum of Old and New Art (no doubt a must-visit for anyone interested in the arts) and the famous Salamanca Markets. Enjoy creature comforts such as cable TV, a DVD player and internet access at this home away from home.

Photo credit: Tasmanian International Arts Festival