Music of all varieties, dance, and drama will all take to the stage at this year's Enniskillen Arts Festival (26th September – 5th October). And while the organisers have already attracted some first-class names to the County, there will also a strong emphasis on the talents of Fermanagh's finest.
Aimed at locals and visitors alike, the Festival presents a programme bursting with opportunities to experience and participate in a wide range of arts and cultural activities. The programme is flanked by two weekends and, with something for all ages and interests, it will provide a platform for the best of local talent and a showcase for visiting artists.
The fare will include music of all kinds, including folk and traditional, classical and choral, rock and indie, jazz, brass and blues. There will be film, drama, visual arts, dance and literature.
Enniskillen boasts many superb venues both in and around the town and the festival aims to make the most of these, with everything within easy reach. Not only will there be a wide range of live performances and exhibitions to enjoy but, also the opportunity to take part in a number of workshops and activities - from bouzouki to bell ringing!
Headline music acts will include Eliza Carthy, the 'indisputable young star of British Folk'; legendary musician Andy Irvine – hailed as 'a tradition in himself'; Border Fiddles, who bring traditional and contemporary music from their native Scottish Borders, and a thrilling mix of 'traditional with a twist' from the new young band, Kintra, who made their debut in Strabane earlier this year. Local musicians and singers will also provide support.
In complete contrast, the RTE Vanbrugh Quartet, one of Europe's most highly regarded string quartets, joins forces with the celebrated Irish pianist, John O'Conor, for an evening of chamber music at the Ardhowen Theatre.
Ardhowen will be the venue for a number of other events as well, including a youth dance showcase, drama from the Lyric Theatre, an evening with the Ulster Orchestra, and cabaret from Yankee Panky. Elsewhere, there will be entertainment provided by Ulster Youth Jazz, Fermanagh Concert Band, Fermanagh Choral Society and local bands.
Young rock bands will have the chance to pit their talents against one another at the all day 'Battle of the Bands' at the Lakeland Forum. There will be other rock events as well, including Celtic rock from Tir na nOg, and a blues night.
Fermanagh's traditional musicians will be to the fore, with a number of sessions during the festival, including a concert, flute and fiddle recitals, a singing session and a festival club at the weekends.
There will be plenty to please the eye.
The magnificent new Waterways Ireland building, due to open this summer, will house Enniskillen Photographic Society's 'The Erne Waterway', depicting the lakeland's rich environment. On show at Fermanagh County Museum will be a jewellery exhibition and a display of paintings by Fermanagh artists, Philip Flanagan and Jeremy Henderson as well as ceramics by Ann McNulty.
Various locations around the town will play host to the work of artists selected through an open art competition, and student art will also be on display elsewhere. Enniskillen Film Club is to present a 'mini film festival'.
Also with film in mind, there will be an opportunity for young people to get involved in the craft of film animation, with the wonderful natural environment of Castle Archdale forest as their backdrop. Other arts and culture workshops will also take place. These include Scottish dance workshops, combined with Irish dance workshops, culminating in a 'Monster Ceili' evening with live music and callers from both traditions – if you still have enough energy left!
Fermanagh's rich literary heritage will be to the fore with readings and performance. And, Fermanagh's famous Mumming tradition will be given a European slant when a group of Sardinian mummers take Enniskillen by storm.
The busy ten-day festival is being part funded by Fermanagh District Council, the Ulster Scots Agency and Waterways Ireland. Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism and the Council's Arts Office are also lending their support.
The festival is being organised on an entirely voluntary basis and the committee would like to hear from anyone who would be interested in getting involved. There will be plenty of jobs to do and all help will go towards making the festival a success. To register your interest please telephone 028 66320210.
Further information will be available on the festival website www.enniskillenartsfestival.com. from the end of June.
