Memory of a Free Festival: Wexford Arts Centre

The next iteration of Memory of a Free Festival will open in Wexford Arts Centre on Saturday, 8 August from 2-4pm, and will be joined by speaker Brendan Howlin, Chairperson of Wexford Arts Centre.

Memory of a Free Festival is a touring exhibition and events programme taking place between March 2026 and March 2027. Conceived by Ormston House, the project responds to the Carnsore Point anti-nuclear festivals that took place in Wexford between 1978 and 1981. Organised by a coalition of groups, the festivals were attended by thousands of people. These legions were unified by their shared opposition to what would have been the first nuclear power plant to be built in Ireland. In addition to musical entertainment and lectures the free festivals also included workshops and exhibitions.

Featuring works by Orla Barry, Brian Duggan, and Alanna O’Kelly the exhibition also includes photos by Derek Speirs and original archival material produced by the Irish Anti-Nuclear Movement. The tour launched with a one-day event at Project Arts Centre on 21 March 2026. including contributions from individuals who were involved in organising or performing at the Carnsore festivals. The first iteration of Memory of a Free Festival ran in Ormston House from April to June of this year. Following the Wexford iteration, the exhibition will tour to Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre in early 2027.

The exhibition will run to 3 October, Wexford Arts Centre opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10-5pm and Saturday, 10-4pm. Further information is available on Wexford Arts Centre website here.

Closing event

On Saturday, 3 October from 2–4pm to mark the closing of the Wexford iteration of Memory of a Free Festival there will be an event at Wexford Arts Centre. The event is free, but booking is required. Tickets are available on the Wexford Arts Centre website here.

As part of Memory of a Free Festival, Wexford Arts Centre in association with Ormston House, presents a conversation between artist and shepherd Orla Barry, former Minister Brendan Howlin, and musician Freddie White, chaired by curator Caimin Walsh.

Reflecting on the Carnsore Point anti-nuclear festivals, which brought thousands of people to Wexford between 1978 and 1981, the panel will explore the connections between art, music, activism and community, and consider the continuing cultural and political legacy of these remarkable gatherings.

The exhibition will tour to Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre in January 2027.

Organised by Ormston House with funding from the Arts Council of Ireland through the Touring of Work Scheme.

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