By Dan Walsh
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 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 opened the 75th Wexford Festival Opera. It was attended by an audience of Festival volunteers.
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.”
Ecclesiastical Insurance, a specialist insurer of the Arts, has supported Wexford Festival Opera’s volunteer programme for 13 years.
