Fireworks to Light Up Wexford Harbour as 75th Wexford Festival Opera Opens Tomorrow

Wexford is gearing up for a spectacular evening of celebrations tomorrow, Thursday, October 15th, as the world-renowned Wexford Festival Opera marks its milestone 75th anniversary with an opening ceremony and fireworks display over the harbour.

The celebrations will officially get underway at 7.15pm on Wexford Quay, with hundreds of people expected to gather to witness one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the town's cultural calendar.

And this year's festival will have a familiar face officially declaring it open.

Anna Murphy, who was recently crowned joint winner of the second season of The Traitors Ireland, alongside Brazilian contestant Diego Caixeta, has been chosen as the special guest to open the 75th festival.

Anna, who emerged victorious as one of the show's 'Faithful', will be accompanied to the opening opera performance by her father, who lives in Wexford.

Following the official opening ceremony at 7.15pm, the much-loved fireworks display will illuminate Wexford Harbour, marking the beginning of 17 days of music, theatre and cultural celebrations.

The opening night will feature two major operatic performances.

At 5pm, the world premiere of Still, Life…, a new community opera by the Festival's composer-in-residence, Ailís Ní Ríain, will take place at The Grain Store. It will be the first of six performances.

At 8pm, the Festival's opening main-stage production, Mascagni's Iris, will take to the O'Reilly Theatre stage at the National Opera House.

Directed by the Festival's Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi, Iris promises an atmospheric and emotionally powerful evening of Italian opera.

The production is sponsored by British Airways.

75 events over 17 days

The landmark 75th anniversary programme will feature 75 events over 17 days, running from October 15th to October 31st.

The festival is one of Wexford's most significant cultural events, attracting opera lovers and visitors to the town and providing an important showcase for Wexford's artistic and cultural life.

Opening night schedule – Thursday, October 15th

• 5pm: World premiere of Still, Life… at The Grain Store.

• 7.15pm: Official opening ceremony and fireworks on Wexford Quay.

• 8pm: Iris at the O'Reilly Theatre, National Opera House.

The Festival has acknowledged the continued support of the Arts Council, Wexford County Council, Fáilte Ireland/Ireland's Ancient East, and its Friends, Sponsors and Donors.

Further information and the full programme are available at www.wexfordopera.com.