Balmy temperatures, no rain to spoil the party and a minister bearing a gift of a million euro - the omens were good at the opening night of WexfordFestival. Families out for an evening stroll mingled with opera-goers in posh frocks and tux at the hurdy-gurdies on the waterfront and local troubadours on guitar and keyboards warmed up the crowd before the opening fireworks lit up the clear skies.

Jo Kerrigan reveals why the pioneering Met: Live in HD has become a global phenomenon since it began back in 2006 and set a template for a whole new way of experiencing live entertainment. 

Irish tenor, John McCormack, will be commemorated with an English Heritage Blue Plaque next Monday in London.