Celebrating 75 years of Wexford Festival Opera and the volunteers who helped make history.

Wexford Festival Opera, supported by Ecclesiastical Ireland, proudly part of the Benefact Group, hosted a Summer BBQ last Thursday, 18th June, in Whites Hotel, Co. Wexford to celebrate 75 years of the festival and to honour the volunteers whose dedication has made it what it is today. As sponsor of the Wexford Festival Opera Volunteer of the Year Award, Ecclesiastical Ireland has a longstanding commitment to recognising the people behind the festival. David Lane, Managing Director of Ecclesiastical Ireland, attended the BBQ and met with a number of the festival’s volunteers, including Mary Doyle, who has given an extraordinary 50 years of service to the festival - a remarkable testament to the passion and community spirit that defines Wexford.

Founded in 1951, the festival has grown into one of Ireland’s leading cultural events, attracting performers and visitors from around the world to the National Opera House in Wexford. This year’s festival will take place from 15-31 October, and promises to be a phenomenal showcase of world-class opera, exceptional artistic talent and cultural excellence. Renowned for its unique focus on rare and lesser-known works, the festival continues to captivate audiences with a programme that combines international artistry with the warmth, creativity and infamous Wexford hospitality.

Speaking at the barbeque, David Lane, Managing Director of Ecclesiastical Ireland said: “We are proud to celebrate 75 years of Wexford Festival Opera and to stand alongside the remarkable volunteers whose dedication and passion have made this milestone possible. Meeting Mary Doyle, who has given 50 years of her life to this festival, was truly humbling and a wonderful reminder of why we are so honoured to sponsor the Volunteer of the Year Award. Volunteers are at the very heart of the Festival’s success. At Ecclesiastical Ireland, proudly part of the Benefact Group, giving back to communities is central to our purpose, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Festival for many years to come.”

For more information on Ecclesiastical Ireland and its offerings, visit https://www.ecclesiastical.ie/. For further information on Wexford Festival Opera and its 75th anniversary, please visit Wexford Festival Opera 15–31 October 2026.