Volunteers BBQ 2026
A presentation was made to Mary Doyle at the Wexford Festival Opera and National Opera House Volunteers BBQ in Whites Hotel on Thursday evening. Mary was honoured for an extraordinary 50 years of service as a volunteer. Pictured were (l to r)- Paul Cleary (Chairman, Wexford Festival Opera), Mary Doyle, Suzanne Nance (CEO, Wexford Festival Opera), David Lane (MD Ecclesaltical), and Eleanor White (Chairperson Volunteers Liaison Committee). Photo: Jim Campbell.
A wonderful summer celebration was held at Whites of Wexford on the 18th June for the incredible volunteers from Wexford Festival Opera and the National Opera House. More than 150 of the volunteer core gathered for our annual pre-festival BBQ alongside members of the Wexford Festival Opera and National Opera House teams.
It was a chance to say thank you for the dedication, generosity and support they give throughout the year, and during the Festival season. A special moment on the night was the recognition of Mary Doyle, who was honoured for an extraordinary 50 years of service as a volunteer. We were also delighted to welcome David Lane, Managing Director of Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland, sponsors of the Wexford Festival Opera Volunteer Programme.
The Festival Volunteer Programm includes 400 volunteers from all over County Wexford who dedicate their time to all aspects of the annual programme of events. The team of dedicated volunteers is central to the success of Wexford Festival Opera and new volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are always welcome. No prior experience is necessary as training is provided.
The benefit for volunteers is that they get to be involved in an exciting international festival which attracts performers and visitors from all over the world. The support of a dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers ensures the smooth running of the festival and helps to create a memorable experience for everyone who comes through the door of the national Opera Housee.
Ecclesiastical Insurance has been a long-time Festival supporter and sponsor of the Volunteer Programme, presenting an annual Volunteer of the Year Award.
Photo: Jim Campbell.