Laura Nolan awarded Ecclesiastical/Wexford Festival Opera Volunteer of the Year
Wexford Festival Opera proudly announces Laura Nolan, who has been volunteering with the Festival for 37 years, as the 2026 Ecclesiastical/Wexford Festival Opera Volunteer of the Year. Laura was chosen through a public vote by fellow volunteers, board and staff of the Festival.
Laura is currently the Head of the programmes team. The team covers all Opera Festival events both in the National Opera House and at other venues, including the Community Opera, Lunchtime Recitals and more.
The announcement was officially made on 12 October by Artistic Director, Rosetta Cucchi and David Lane, Managing Director Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland from the stage of The National Opera House on the night of the first public dress rehearsal, Iris, which will open the 75th Wexford Festival Opera. It was attended by an audience of Festival volunteers.
Ecclesiastical Insurance, a specialist insurer of the Arts, has supported Wexford Festival Opera’s volunteer programme for 13 years. Recognising and telling the stories of over 430 current and past volunteers who work in all areas of the Festival, from front of house to driving to costume and backstage.
Speaking on behalf of Ecclesiastical, David Lane, Managing Director Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland said: “Volunteers play such an important role in making Wexford Festival Opera what it is, and Laura’s commitment over more than 35 years is really something to celebrate. Giving that amount of time to the Festival, while always being there to help audiences and fellow volunteers, is a fantastic achievement. As a company committed to supporting organisations and communities that make a positive difference, Ecclesiastical is delighted to sponsor the Volunteer of the Year Award. I’d like to congratulate Laura on this very well-deserved recognition and thank all 500+ volunteers whose time and commitment help make the Festival such a success each year.”
Ecclesiastical is Ireland’s leading specialist insurance company serving the arts, education, faith, heritage and charity sectors. It provides insurance and services for those who care about their communities and the environment in which they live and work. As a company that donates all available profits to charity, Ecclesiastical’s long-standing association with the Volunteer of the Year Award is a perfect reflection of its commitment to supporting and nurturing the communities it serves.