LEADING LIGHTS

WEXFORD Chamber says it is delighted to be promoting and working with Creative Ireland.

The Creative Ireland Programme is an invitation to the entire country to get involved in something truly inspirational and there is no doubt that Wexford Festival Opera and Wexford Fringe are leading lights in the national arts and culture programme.

‘Isn’t it wonderful that Wexford is home to such excellence,’ said chamber CEO Madeline Quirke.

There are many things that we feel we should have and yes we are always planning for the future. But one of the finest fringe festivals in Ireland coupled with Wexford Festival Opera is what we do have and the friendly, welcoming and open culture that exists here in Wexford will once again ensure its success,’ she said.

Wexford Fringe is an annual open access arts festival which runs parallel to the famous Wexford Festival Opera. Celebrating its 65th birthday, the 2017 Fringe Festival will run from Thursday, October 19, to Sunday, November 5.

The Fringe which is recognised both nationally and internally for showcasing the very best of Irish Arts has over 300 events, many of which are free.

There is something for everyone, with a wide diversity of events ranging from Theatrical, Musical and Opera Performances, Live Comedy and Music gigs, Art and Photography exhibitions, Historical Walking tours, Literary readings, an extensive array of Children’s Events, the famous Guinness Singing and Swinging Pubs Competition and of course it all kicks of with the Fireworks on the Quay.

Karl Fitzpatrick, President, Wexford Chamber said the Wexford Fringe Festival has become a tourist attraction in its own right, and is warmly welcomed by retailers, as it provides a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the Summer and Christmas trade - while enhancing the town’s global reputation as a kaleidoscopic hub of cultural activity.

This year’s Fringe will not disappoint.

Heralding the Fringe, there is a tailor-made guide co-ordinated by Wexford Chamber, the 2017 Wexford Fringe Guide is packed full with a variety of events.

These guides are complimentary and will be widely available.

At the launch of this year’s Wexford Fringe guide in Greenacres (from left): Aine Boland, graphic designer; Katie O’Connor, Wexford Chamber; Mayor of Wexford, Jim Moore, who launched the guide; Karl Fitzpatrick, president, Wexford Chamber; and...

The fireworks on Wexford Quayfront on the opening night are a festival fringe highlight; above, left: flashback to 2011 when dancers April Dowdall, Gavin Byrne and ‘butler’ Patrick O’Connor were rehearsing at Curracloe Beach ahead of their performance...