THE people waiting for the DART at Westland Row yesterday afternoon looked slightly bemused. Platform Five was packed with men in black tie and women in their poshest frocks, quaffing champagne while being serenaded by a jazz band. The musical choice was slightly incongruous, given that the group was heading for the first night of the 45th Wexford Festival Opera.
On board the opera train the guests, mostly corporate types being entertained by the sponsors, were treated to a four course dinner with any amount of wine. By the time the train pulled into Wexford they were in high spirits.
Against a backdrop of fireworks, Liam Griffin, manager of Wexford's victorious All Ireland hurling team, launched the festival, which continues until November 3rd. Three operas are staged in the Theatre Royal over 18 days - Donizetti's Parisina, Meyerbeer's L'Etoile du Nord and Fibich's Sarka. There are 40 fringe events.
The bill comes to £1.2 million, with 27 per cent from the Arts Council, £300,000 from corporate sponsors and the rest from box office receipts.
The entire run has been booked out since July.
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