THE spectacular grounds of Johnstown Castle was the setting for the opening of the 56th Wexford opera festival last night, as men in dapper evening dress and women in fine flowing dresses soaked up the evening sunshine and music on the castle lawn.

KILKENNY’S Nowlan Park has traditionally been a hotbed for pulsating, breathtaking and captivating performances but Andrea Bocelli’s awesome live show against the backdrop of a clear blue sky last night was an experience to remember.

FALSETTO, not fees, was on the curriculum yesterday for Tánaiste Mary Harney when she launched this year’s Wexford Opera Festival.