Wexford Festival Opera Opening Night Quayside details announced
RTÉ lyric fm presenter Marty Whelan
to officially open the 68th Wexford Festival Opera
on Tuesday, 22 October – 7.15 p.m.
Wexford Festival Opera
22 October – 3 November
(Wednesday, 9 October 2019) With less than two weeks until the curtain rises on the 68th Wexford Festival Opera, details of the opening night ceremony on Wexford’s quayside have been announced.
The free, public event will kick-off from 7.15 pm on Tuesday, 22 October. The crowd will be addressed by the Mayor of Wexford, Councillor George Lawlor and Chairwoman of Wexford Festival, Mary Kelly. The Festival will then be officially opened by RTÉ lyric fm presenter, Marty Whelan, who is widely known for his popular radio programme ‘Marty in the Morning’ and ‘Winning Streak’, and as the always entertaining commentator of the Eurovision Song Contest each year. With family roots in Wexford, Marty is a regular attendee of the opera and will present his radio programme live from the Skyview café in the National Opera House the following day. The short quayside ceremony will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display over Wexford Harbour at approximately, 7.40 p.m. ahead of the opening of the sold-out performance of Don Quichotte by Jules Massenet at 8 p.m.
Traffic restrictions will be in place on the night with Wexford Bridge and the quays closed to traffic from 5 pm, both of which are expected to re-open by 8:30 pm. Besides the regular designated disabled parking spaces in the town, a number of additional disabled parking spaces will be available in the Paul Quay carpark. Gardaí will be on hand along the quay to allow access to anyone needing to use this facility. All roadworks will be suspended on the evening.
This family friendly community event traditionally attracts large crowds. People attending the quayside ceremony are reminded to come into town early and observe the instructions of the signage and the stewards. Drones are not permitted.
The 68th Wexford Festival Opera opens on Tuesday, 22 October and runs for 13 consecutive days, closing on Sunday, 3 November 2019. Tickets can be purchased online 24/7 at www.wexfordopera.com, in person at the National Opera House or by calling the box-office on +353 (0)53 912 2144 or 1-850-4-OPERA Monday-Saturday, 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the most up to date information visit www.wexfordopera.com
The 68th Wexford Festival Opera is supported by grants from the Arts Council, Wexford County Council and Fáilte Ireland/Ireland’s Ancient East.
-ends-