Fermanagh is welcoming the first annual international multi-arts festival celebrating the Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett, his work and his interests. Taking place from Thursday, 23 August to Monday, 27 August 2012 the Festival Centre is located at Enniskillen Castle.
The programme of events was directly inspired by Samuel Beckett’s passion for many different forms of art.
The festival will provide something for everyone with the diversity of events that have been organised.
The Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Thomas O’Reilly, stated:
“The world’s first annual Beckett Festival has an extraordinary programme that goes beyond the cultural, the literary and the artistic.”
“We look forward to what can only be described as a wide spectrum of events – some international, some local, all of quality and all special. By using venues in and around the island town of Enniskillen, the Festival will showcase our waterways, landscape, buildings and streets as a hub for arts, culture and sport. Whether you are familiar with Enniskillen or not, you will find unique events in unique places and a warm welcome to all.”
Beckett spent his formative years in Enniskillen at Portora Royal School and it will be one of the four main festival hubs. The festival will take place along the town's 'half mile' in many if the town's most historic venues, including Enniskillen Castle, the 18th Century Castle Coole, Ardhowen Theatre, as well as the Cathedral, Churches and schools.
Several of the Happy Days 2012 are part of the London 2012 Festival a spectacular nationwide celebration running from 21 June until 9 September 2012, bringing together leading artists from all over the world alongside the very best from the UK.
Seán Doran, the founder and Artistic Director, said:
"Happy Days in the small market town of Enniskillen is a new addition to the summer calendar of international arts festivals. But more crucially, it arrives at a time of vigorous cultural renaissance in Northern Ireland. Our aim is to give Beckett lovers across the world an annual home, to gather and celebrate the writer's genius and wit."
For more information on the Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, please download the festival programme or contact:
Diane Henshaw Arts Officer Fermanagh District Council
Townhall
Enniskillen
County Fermanagh
BT 74 7BA
