Huge turnout for launch of Wexford Fringe Festival
PEOPLE piled into the National Opera House to hear what festivities are in store as the 64th Wexford Fringe Guide was officially unveiled to the masses.
Members of the business and arts community came along in their droves to mark the beginning of the festival season and the countdown to both the Fringe Festival and Wexford Festival Opera.
President of Wexford Chamber Karl Fitzpatrick welcomed all who attended the launch.
‘ The Fringe attracts over 50,000 people to Wexford each year, to the events all across the town. The festival reaches out to all corners of the community as many of the events are free,’ he said, wishing everyone involved the best of luck. ‘I have no doubt it is going to be the best festival yet!’
Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Frank Staples praised the success of Wexford Fringe to date.
‘Wexford Fringe is known for its originality, imagination and entertainment. It has become a showcase for Irish arts both nationally and internationally,’ he said.
Mayor Staples congratulated Wexford Chamber on co-ordinating the Fringe Guide and wished everyone a happy fes- tival.
Fáilte Ireland Tourism Manager Mary Houilhan spoke about the storytelling aspect of the Wexford Fringe programme.
‘ The Wexford Fringe programme includes a number of events which focus on stories and story tellers through spoken words, musicals and operas and the popular sing and swinging pub competition,’ she said.
Managing Director of ESET Ireland Richard Foley officially launched the guide and said that the company was delighted to continue their association with the Fringe.
‘It is a wonderful resource for the town, businesses and all the people in the town,’ he said.
Madeleine Quirke, CEO of Wexford Chamber thanked all those involved in the design and publication of the guide. She paid special tribute to Lynda Harman of Chameleon Creatives, who has designed the guide for the past 16 years, and Aoife Connick for putting the guide together. She also greatly thanked ESET Ireland for their continued sponsorship of the Fringe Guide as well as Failte Ireland, the National Opera House for the venue, Ferrycarrig Hotel for the beautiful spread and the many advertisers.
The 2016 Wexford Fringe takes place from October 21 to November 6 2016.