The G8 comes to Fermanagh

Exciting times ahead for Belmore Court and Motel, Lough Erne Resort and many other accommodation providers in Fermanagh and further beyond; The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has confirmed that G8 will take place in the most Westerly county of Northern Ireland.


According to Wikipedia The Group of Eight ('G8) is for the governments of eight of the world's largest economies. (It excludes, however, two of the actual eight largest economies by nominal GDP: China, 2nd, and Brazil, 7th). The forum originated with a 1975 summit hosted by France that brought together representatives of six governments: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, thus leading to the name Group of Six or G6. The summit became known as the Group of Seven or G7 the following year with the addition of Canada. In 1997,Russia was added to the group which then became known as the G8.^[1] The European Union is represented within the G8 but cannot host or chair summits.^[2]

County Fermanagh has two primary industries - Agriculture and Tourism and although it has hosted other large events such as the Rally Ireland, World Waterski Championships and the Classic Fishing Festival there has never been an event of this size; In Fermanagh never mind Northern Ireland. The County is rich in heritage and culture hosting a range of attractions such as Enniskillen Castle, National Trust properties, Ardhowen Theatre and Marble Arch Caves. The inaugural Beckett Festival was held in August 2012 with the link being Beckett's education at Portora Royal School. 

The G8 will take place on 17 - 19 June 2013. Mr Cameron said "I think this will be a brilliant advertisement for Northern Ireland. I want the world to see just what a fantastic place Northern Ireland is: a great place for business; a great place for investment; a place with an incredibly educated and trained workforce, ready to work for international businesses. And I also, want to show the world what a beautiful place Northern Ireland is and Lough Erne, where I was this morning, is one of the most beautiful places in the entire United Kingdom."

Accommodation is extremely busy during this time from 10 - 20 June. There is still lots of availability outside of these dates for visitors to enjoy what Fermanagh has to offer - Especially with Belmore Court & Motel's Winter Sale - Rooms from only £39/night

Annual Guest Survey Results

In April 2012 the Belmore Court sent out its seventh annual guest survey to gather feedback from those who had stayed in the previous 12 months. We sent out almost 5000 surveys both online and by post. There was a geat response with more than 15% replies helping us to improve our service and facilities.

As an incentive we offered 3 x two night breaks to encourage guests to complete the information. The winners of these are:

Jacqueline Walker, Lisburn
Gwen Ross, Omagh
R Niblock, Belfast

 

It is fantastic to read that more than 98% of respondents found the booking process to be Excellent or Very Good. Comments include; Clear & Concise Information given to me, online system easy to use, Very straightforward easy-peesy, Excellent video presentation on website, Informative and friendly manner of staff who took booking was one of the deciding factors in choosing Belmore Court, Very helpful staff on reception! Their friendliness persuaded me that the Belmore would be a good choice and I was right!

 

It was a credit to the reception team that no one felt that the welcome or service at reception was poor and that 99% thought the 1^st impressions, welcome, service and booking accuracy were either very good or excellent. This is reflected in the comments; 100%. Never met a nicer girl than one at reception. Couldn't do enough to please, Made to feel very welcome - delighted with service, Excellent all round service, room, staff and night porter, Everything well organised! Great hospitality on arrival!

 

It is also a credit to the housekeeping department that 98% or guests found the cleanliness of the room to be very good or excellent. And that 96% found the maintenance with a similar breakdown of scores. Comments included; Really lovely - especially a good bed for back problems!, Magnificent, Very attractive rooms with up to date in house facilities, professionally maintained to a very high standard. A number of comments were like this one; Decor was dated, facilities in motel room substandard. As a result we have updated these rooms.

 

Continental Breakfast - It is positive to see that 95% of customer found the hosts friendly – 2 percentage point increase from last year. 95% also found the quality to be Very good or excellent – 9 percentage point increase from last year. 88% were very happy with the choice. Once again an increase – this time 13 percentage points.

99% of respondents would consider staying again with 69% definitely booking with us. (15% increase ). Disappointingly 4 people would not stay again. Comments: No complaints; Great location friendly staff; I would certainly consider staying again. Would try lodge next time; You can’t be beaten – quality & value; hoicealways.100% we will;

 

Less than 1% found our accommodation not to be value for money. Comments: Excellent value; Superb value for money; reasonably priced.

 

More than 90% of our guests felt that we achieved our Vision. Comments: Yes and have exceeded it; Good progress towards it; Excellent experience; Under promise & over deliver; Good security; Staff made it special; really enjoyed BC; Pity no bar/restaurant; Far surpassed other accommodation; Exceeded your vision; BELMORE(Best Enniskillen Leisure – More Opportunities to Relax and Enjoy.

 

Belmore Court and Motel triumphs at CIM awards

It’s already been an award-winning year for the Belmore Court and Motel which is celebrating again this week having scooped a ‘Hospitality & Tourism Award’. The luxurious 4*star Guest Accommodation establishment in Fermanagh won the prestigious award at the thirteenth annual Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Ireland Marketing Excellence Awards 2012.

Nina Kelly Kleine and Terry McCartney from Belmore Court & Motel being presented with the award from Dr Vicky Kell - Invest NI

 

Belmore Court and Motel beat off stiff competition from entries across Ireland winning this award for its successful marketing campaigns over the last 12 months. There were 23 awards presented to Ireland’s best companies at the gala dinner which was attended by over 350 people. The event took place in the new Titanic Belfast visitorattraction, hosted by BBC Business and Economics Correspondent, Jim Fitzpatrick.

 

 

Nina Kelly Kleine, Sales & Marketing Manager, Belmore Court and Motel, says:

 

“We are absolutely thrilled to have won this accolade; it’s very rewarding to have our hard work recognised at such a prestigious event. We’ve had a magnificent year winning the Northern Ireland Tourist Board Partnership initiative Award in May and commended in the Northern Ireland Serviced Accommodation award.

 

“To mark the success of these awards we have just launched our Winter Sale,slashing prices on our superior and executive rooms for 500 nights to just £39per room per night with continental breakfast.”

 

Other recognition the Belmore Court and Motel has received this year to date includes: Highly commended best viral in the DANI awards; Highly commended for Best tourism Initiative; and Highly commended in Excellence in Customer Service Award at the Fermanagh Herald Business Awards.

 

The CIM Ireland Marketing Excellence Awards were supported by key business partners Invest NI, Kantar Media and Pinnacle & Sage with event support from Stakeholder, Belleek Living, Eyesparks and Press Eye. Guests enjoyed entertainment from swing singer Dave Martin while Richard Williams, CEO of NI Screen delivered an impressive video showing over 40 Northern Ireland locations that have been used as recent film and TV locations.

 

CIM Ireland received a record number of entries in 2012, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector, reflecting the promotional lead given by the ‘Our Time, Our Place’ marketing campaign. Judges were so overwhelmed by the outstanding volume and the quality of entries that they had to extend the judging process, which took place in September, by one week.

 

Congratulating the winners, John Edmund, CIM Ireland Chairman, said:

 

“CIM has been supporting excellence in marketing by Irish businesses for over 50 years now and since the awards programme began the quality of the submissions has impressed the judging panel more than the year before. Congratulations are due to all the companies who entered this year but particularly to the winners as the competition was greater than ever. I am confident that I speak for everyone when I say this years Awards have been a huge success and that is due to the excellent businesses that have entered.

 

“In 2012 we have seen local businesses create fantastic promotional campaigns that have been creative and impactful far beyond these shores, we have seen new product and service developments becoming more and more commonplace not only within large corporations but also within the SME sector and, encouragingly, we have seen long established companies focus on marketing to fight off the new found competition.

 

“I am grateful to each of our sponsors and support partners, each one of them a successful brand that recognises the importance of professional marketing within their business. Marketing grows businesses, so marketing success needs to be recognised and promoted - the support that out partners and sponsors provide make that possible.”

 

 

Visit www.cimireland.net to view all the winning companies and find out more about CIM’s activities in Ireland.

 

-ENDS-

For further information please contact Nina Kelly Kleine:

T: 028 6632 1973 or M: 075 9044 5603

 

Notes to editors:

Marketing Excellence Awards 2012 Winners are listed below:

 

Industry

Engineering:     Whale (Munster Simms Engineering Ltd)

Food & Drink:    Premier Foods

Chemicals, Plastics, Pharmaceuticals and related industries:             Almac

Alternative Energy & other Green Technologies: Simple Power

IT Software and Hardware:      Maildistiller

Building and Civil Engineering Industries:       Mivan

Tourism and Hospitality Public Sector:            Belfast Zoological Gardens

Tourism and Hospitality Private Sector:           Belmore Court and Motel

Arts, Heritage & the Creative Industries:         National Museums Northern Ireland

Business Services:         Aspray Property Services

Social Economy Businesses, Charities and other non-for-profit: Employers for Childcare Charitable Group

Retail:   Sliderobes

Campaign/Professional

Best Sales Campaign – Small Company:          Mash Direct Ltd

Best Sales Campaign – Medium/Large Company:      George Best Belfast City Airport

Best Brand Development Campaign – Small Company:          Vita Liberata

Best Brand Development Campaign – Medium Company:     NITB & AV Browne

Best Brand Development Campaign – Large Company:         Clerys & Koh Creative

Best New Product / Service Introduction Campaign – Small Company:         Treatticket.com

Best New Product / Service Introduction Campaign – Medium Company: Whale (Munster Simms Engineering Ltd)

Best New Product / Service Introduction Campaign – Large Company: Linwoods

Individual/Professional Achievement

Senior Marketing and Sales Professional of the Year: Niamh Taylor (Sliderobes)

New Marketing Professional: Leanne Rice (Aspray Property Services)

First Time Entrant Award: Ulster GAA

 

The Chartered Institute of Marketing:

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the leading international professional marketing and sales body with members worldwide. First established in 1911 it defines the marketing and sales standards that operate in the UK and is the global champion of best marketing and sales practice. The institute exists to develop both the marketing and sales professions, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing and sales practitioners, enabling them to deliver exceptional results for their organisations. It does this by providing membership, qualifications and training to marketing and sales professionals and businesses around the world. Visit www.cim.co.uk for more information.

Big week ahead - Awards?????

Over the next two weeks we'll see if we have been successful in not one but two awards ceremonies. The Belmore Court & Motel prides itself on having friendly and helpful staff to look after our guests. As a result of an application to the Fermanagh Herald Business Awards and the evidence provided we have been shortlisted in the Best Customer Service category at the award ceremony on Friday 26th October 2012. The awards are supported by Fermanagh District Council.

On the same evening are only one of two companies nominated for a second award - this time for Tourism Business of the Year. The Belmore Court & Motel has worked hard to create employment, provide great value & comfortable accommodation and to help socially with the community. These aspects are now being recognised in being shortlisted.

The following week our marketing effort has been shortlisted - for the second year running - for the CIM Ireland Marketing awards. The event will be held in the Titanic Building, Belfast.

We hope to bring some great news from one, if not both of these events.

Winter Sale and Events

Earlier this month we launched our very popular Winter Sale at the Belmore Court & Motel. The special rates were first offered to people on our mailing lists; with a great response, and then to the Facebook and Twitter fan/followers. Finally 1 week later we opened it to the general public.

With rooms from only £39/night the deal provides terrific value on rooms from 1 November 2012 until 31 March 2013. This year, as a result of customer feedback, we have included standard rooms with mini kitchens as an option. These rooms are recently been upgraded with a modern self controlled heating system, 32" LCD Freeview TV and new carpets.

We hope you'll have the opportunity to come to Fermanagh over the next couple of months to see the many events and attractions.

Hallowe’en Extravaganza, Enniskillen Castle Museums

Enniskillen Castle Museums, Co.Fermanagh, Enniskillen, 31 Oct 
Hallowe’en Extravaganza, Enniskillen Castle Museums 2-5pm Annual Hallowe’en event. Fun for all the family. There will be ghoulish goings on, spooky cookie workshops, crafty capers, scary stories and lots of other entertainment.

Fermanagh Fireworks Festival

Enniskillen, 31 Oct 
The Council's annual Fermanagh Fireworks Festival for Halloween Night will be held on Wednesday 31st October 2012 at 8pm prompt. Designated viewing area for spectators in the grounds of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen. Further details available from the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown. Telephone 028 6862 1177.

Fermanagh Choral Society at Castle Coole

Castle Coole, Enniskillen, 07 Dec - 08 Dec 
As Castle Coole comes to the end of their Diamond Celebrations join Fermanagh Choral Society as they perform Christmas songs from the 50s.

Days of Christmas Past at the Folk Park

Omagh, 01 Dec - 16 Dec 
This festive season take the family a step back in time and experience the magic of a traditional Christmas. Visit the Toymaker in his workshop and then meet Santa and Mrs Claus. Places are limited so booking is essential.

Peter Corry's Music Box

Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, 28 Dec 
Friday 28 December 8pm All seats £22.50 David Hull Promotions present PETER CORRY’S MUSIC BOX

Beckett it and they will come!

Beckett by Jayne Daley

What a fantastic weekend for Enniskillen and indeed Fermanagh!

 

The first annual Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival has just taken place to critical acclaim. The main programme ran from 23rd to 27th August 2012 and saw the island town bustling with newcomers who walked the length and breath of the town. 

 

 

 

 

Although I was apprehensive about the number of event sna the numbers required to make the festival a success, my doubts were unfounded and Sean Doran (Festival Director) really lived by the 1989 Film - Field of Dreams - adage "Build it and they will come".

 

The festival was over a UK bank holiday which was busy anyway but it was great to see many new faces happy with hopefully their new annual pilgrimage. Portora has educated Wilde, Francis-Lyte, myself and many more but it was Beckett who was identified by the organisers of having the best possibility to fill venues in his name.

 

There were many Visual Arts arts exhibitions including Steenbeckett at the Clinton Centre, The Godot Tree by Anthony Gormley at Castlecoole and the Joesph Karuth UK & Irish Premiere of 'Text (Waiting for -) for nothing' Samuel Beckett, in Play'

 

The opening a closing concerts were apparently sublime and even the New Your Times has been commenting on them as well as the whole festival.

 

Robert Wilson's version of Krapp's last tape suffered mixed review from our guests but most seats were filled and people came away looking at Beckett in a different light.

 

There was some disappointment that more local people didn't attend the events and maybe next year some preceding introductions to Beckett event may be the order of the day.

All in all Fermanagh is a better place for the Festival taking place and we look forward to the Fermanagh Live event in October as well as the return of the Happy Days Festival in 2012.   

You Get What You Pay For...

I’m on holiday at the moment and having a great time. I know the weather back in Enniskillen hasn’t been great so it’s good to get some sun. BTW we’ve also had staycations/playcations at The Cuan (Strangford), Ramada (Portrush), Europa + Malone Lodge (Belfast) and White Horse (Derry) this year to support the home holiday market.

My only real disappointment was when I looked up the BelmoreCourt & Motel on Tripadvisor for Enniskillen; we’d received three reviews in one week from guests who were unhappy with their stay in the Standard Family Apartments. This is the first time our property had received two poor and one average review in the same week. All three reviews mentioned how good the staff were, friendly, humourous and professional.

The common thread was that they felt the apartment wasn’t big enough. The kitchenette was too small; there was no living room or dining space. Our family apartments are priced at £85 - £115/night depending how busy it is and how far in advance the guest books – in fact if they prepay they receive an additional 10% off.

I digress a little but over here in Spain there is a great restaurant in Villamartin called Eduardo’s; For Sunday Lunch I had potato skins (slightly over cooked), followed by roast Aberdeen Angus beef (small portion and beef & Yorkshire pudding slightly overcooked), vegetables (properly cooked) and finished with the apple and rhubarb crumble and ice cream (Excellent). The service was lukewarm but professional and the restaurant was very clean. It is in a lovely setting for people watching in the Square, Villamartin. The waitress and Maitre’D both came over twice to ask if everything was ok and we replied it was – even with the problems I’ve mentioned with brackets. The restaurant serves traditional 3 course Sunday lunches for €9.95 on Sunday before 5pm to help fill the quieter part of the day.

My wife and I discussed the restaurant, food and the setting and agreed for the price we paid even with the small issues it was great value. You get what you pay for.

I believe that if people arrive at our family apartments paying about £25/person/night and think they are getting a full self-catering chalet of course they will be disappointed. For this they will pay at least twice that price. If guests are looking for a living room and kitchen our family suite is available – usually £35-£40/person/night. Most chalets charge extra for heating and electricity.

Each of these reviews did not mention the location, the parking, 30 mins free Wi-Fi, cleanliness, comfort of the new beds, 32” LCD Digital Television or cooking facilities. All of which must be taken into account when writing a review.

If you are staying somewhere, once you feel unhappy about what you are receiving, think about the price you are paying and then if you still feel you are not getting value money, contact reception to see if they is an alternative available – there may be an additional cost to upgrade. The exception to this is cleanliness; no matter what price you are paying the room must be clean.  

We do value the opinions set out in these reviews and we do take everything on board. We’ll look at the term family apartment – should this be changed to family room? We’ll add more photos and floor plans of these accommodations to let people see in advance the layout. Hopefully we’ll be able to add a virtual tour soon of the family apartment and then people will know exactly what they are getting.

Later this year we are hoping to change the carpets in the Standard Rooms and then over the next three years update the kitchenettes with a more efficient design. With a cost of £60,000 for these two projects you can see why it’s taking longer than we would hope.

My advice is think about the cost, the value for money and then take the issue to the staff to see if there is anything they can do – Don’t suffer in silence then give bad reviews.

Belmore Court is the only Fermanagh winner at the 2012 NITB Tourism Awards

An audience of over 300 members of the local tourism industry played a leading role at Belfast’s Grand Opera House last night as the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards took centre stage.

Leading local acts such as comedians Nuala McKeever and Grimes and McKee, as well as theatrical, street and circus performers all reflecting Northern Ireland’s history, stories and culture were involved in presenting each award from the Opera House stage.

Organised by the NITB in partnership with DiageoNorthern Ireland, the awards cover 11 categories that showcase the very best in local tourism provision.

The Belmore Court and Motel won the Partner Initiative category and Commended in the Serviced Accommodation category.

Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister ArleneFoster said: “Northern Ireland is achieving something tremendously positive as we move through 2012 and into 2013 and beyond.

“We’ve seen substantial investment in infrastructure projects and important private sector-led developments including hotels, restaurants and other services. Over 200 publicly funded projects have leveraged new capital investment of some £300 million.

“I fully recognise that those in the industry have worked extremely hard to forge new, dynamic and prosperous businesses that will benefit the visitor, the industry and ultimately the Northern Ireland economy."

“I congratulate tonight’s winners. They have set the bar high in terms of quality, customer service and the visitor experience they are delivering. I encourage others to follow their lead and make the Northern Ireland tourism industry truly world-class.”

Awards were presented in a variety of categories, including Excellent Events, Taste of Northern Ireland and Best Visitor Experience.

In the Northern Ireland Heroes category, which acknowledges an individual’s involvement and impact on local tourism, the award went to Paula McFetridge, artistic director at multi-award-winning theatre company Kabosh. Paula has created numerous indigenous pieces of theatre celebrating the best of Northern Ireland.

The Lyric Theatre, which has enjoyed a fantastic first year in its new landmark building, received the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award.

Other award winners included the Causeway Lodge on the north Antrim coast, which scooped best Serviced Accommodation, The Dundrum Inn, which won the Taste of Northern Ireland category and Belfast Zoo, which grabbed the award for Marketing and Sales Excellence.

NITB Chairman Howard Hastings said: “The Northern Ireland tourism industry has travelled far over the last number of years, and has much to celebrate.

“Back in 2004 the industry developed a vision for Northern Ireland Tourism that cast our five signature projects in the starring roles. “Following government investment in them, NITB, working with the industry, has put in place a supporting infrastructure that animates ‘destination Northern Ireland’ and which has prepared the tourism product on the ground to deliver a quality experience for the expected increase in visitors.

“We now have a set of world-class tourism products, totally unique to us, which is all being brought to life right now by a fantastic programme of events in the ni2012 Our Time, Our Place campaign.

“The Titanic Festival alone included 120 events and we have much, ,uch more to look forward to.”

Diageo sponsored the awards for the fourth year in a row. Michael McCann, Country Director, Diageo Northern Ireland said: “Diageo Northern Ireland is delighted to support the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards for a fourth consecutive year. This partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to support the development of a vibrant tourism and hospitality sector.

“At Diageo, we are extremely proud of our locally produced brands Guinness, Bushmills, Harp and Baileys. They enrich visitor experiences and are helping to build a lasting legacy of first class hospitality.

“As the expectations of our visitors continue to rise, it is important that we make the most of these opportunities and recognise that we all have a role to play in the continued development of our  tourism industry as a thriving part of a sustainable Northern Ireland economy.”

The full list of winners was as follows.

>> Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

Lyric Theatre

>> Northern Ireland Heroes

Paula McFetridge - Kabosh

>> Best Event/Festival

Belfast Music Week 2011, Belfast City Council Winner
Out to Lunch Arts Festival Highly Commended
St Patrick's Day Event at Slemish, Ballymena Borough Council Commended
The International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress 2011, Happening Conferences and Events Commended

>> Best Visitor Experience

Todds Leap Winner
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum / National Museums NI Highly Commended

Lyric Theatre Commended

The Jungle Commended

>> Hotel Accommodation

The Merchant Hotel Winner

Beech Hill Country House Hotel Highly Commended
Walsh's Hotel Commended
Roe Park Resort Commended

>> Marketing and Sales Excellence

Belfast Zoological Gardens Winner
Stena Line Highly Commended
Todds Leap Commended

>> Taste of Northern Ireland

The Dundrum Inn Winner
The Lime Tree Restaurant Highly Commended
Pier 36 Commended
The Brewer's House Commended

>> Serviced Accommodation

Causeway Lodge Winner
Rayanne House Highly Commended
Belmore Court and Motel Commended
Newforge House Commended

>> Non-Serviced Accommodation

Brookhall Historical Farm Winner
Victoria Apartments Highly Commended
Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages Commended
Rossahilly House Commended

>> Visitor Inspired

The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Facility, National Trust Winner
Belfast Zoological Gardens Highly Commended
Lyric Theatre Commended

>> Partner Initiative

Belmore Court and Motel Winner
Food NI Ltd Highly Commended
Patterns of the City - Belfast City Dressing Plan Campaign, Belfast City Council Commended
The Mourne Public Art Programme, Mourne Heritage Trust Commended

>> New Tourism Project
The LegenDerry RoadTrain Winner
Belfast City Bike Tours Highly Commended

More Beckett Info... Happy Days...

PRESS RELEASE (For a PDF version of the Press Release CLICK HERE) HAPPY DAYS ENNISKILLEN INTERNATIONAL BECKETT FESTIVAL PRESS RELEASE 19 APRIL 2012 SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2012 PROGRAMME TICKETS ON SALE FOR SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS FROM THURSDAY 19 APRIL 2012 HAPPY DAYS, the Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, today announced tickets will be on sale from 10am Thursday 19 April for selected highlights for its inaugural Festival, 23 to 27 August 2012. The programme will present a diverse mix of international theatre, music, art, comedy and conversation from world class Irish, UK and international artists and writers. The full HAPPY DAYS programme will be announced in June 2012. Tickets available from www.happy-days-enniskillen.com. Early highlights include four projects that are part of the London 2012 Festival, the spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration running from 21 June until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK. The London 2012 Festival events are the UK and Irish Premiere of Robert Wilson directing and starring in Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape; Britain's favourite living composer, Gavin Bryars with his Ensemble performing The Sinking of the Titanic, alongside the World Premiere of the HAPPY DAYS commission, The Beckett Songbook; Antony Gormley's Godot Tree, unveiled for the first time in the Grand Yard at the National Trust's Castle Coole; and film-maker Atom Egoyan, nominated for two Palme D'Or Awards and two Academy Awards, presenting his installation Steenbeckett (2002), a work from The Artangel Collection that is premiering in Ireland prior to its accession by the Tate. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Castle Coole being in the care of the National Trust, Antony Gormley's Godot Tree will be in place for 60 days from 2 July and throughout the HAPPY DAYS festival. Other highlights announced today include the Vienna Piano Trio performing some of Beckett's favourite composers; Perrier Award-winner and Bafta-nominated comedian, Stuart Silver; Tenor Ian Bostridge singing Schubert's Winterreise accompanied by pianist Julius Drake; and Lyr Williams performing Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Castle Coole, built in 1789, the year of the French Revolution, will also be the venue for the closing recital of French song and opera arias by mezzo soprano Ruby Philogene MBE, accompanied by Julius Drake, in honour Beckett's adopted homeland. Writers and poets discussing their relationships with Beckett and the lasting influence of his work. will include Edna O'Brien, Lady Antonia Fraser, and John Banville amongst others. Edna O'Brien will open the Festival's programme on Thursday 23 August at the Ardhowen Theatre, with an in-conversation event with William Crawley. HAPPY DAYS, based in Enniskillen at the heart of the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands in Northern Ireland, is the world's first annual Festival dedicated to Nobel Prize-winning writer, Samuel Beckett. The Festival will celebrate Beckett's work and influences and present some of the many international artists, writers, musicians and performers he has inspired. Samuel Beckett, like Oscar Wilde before him, spent his formative years at Portora Royal School in Enniskillen. This remarkable island town is the perfect centre for HAPPY DAYS, a major, new destination cultural Festival embracing the entire Fermanagh Lakelands experience. Some of Northern Ireland's most extraordinary landmarks will host HAPPY DAYS, including Enniskillen Castle, Castle Coole, Portora Royal School, Mount Lourdes School, Blakes of the Hollow, St Michael's Church and St Macartin's Cathedral. HAPPY DAYS is funded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Arts Council Northern Ireland, the London 2012 Festival and Fermanagh District Council. TICKETS FOR SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS (DETAILS BELOW) ARE AVAILABLE FROM www.happy-days-enniskillen.com FROM 10AM THURSDAY 19 APRIL   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ANNA VINEGRAD Press@annavinegrad.com 0207 609 8905 0781 3808 487                                                                                                                                                    _____________________________________________ EDITORS' NOTES SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HAPPY DAYS 2012 PROGRAMME Concessions prices to be announced Good Godot! Free Opening Concert St. Michael's Church, Enniskillen, Thursday 23rd August, 9pm Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata' (played twice). Llyr Williams - Piano Free    Young British great, Llyr Wiliams, performs Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata Robert Wilson: Krapp's Last Tape Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen Friday 24th- Monday 27th August Friday (preview), Saturday, Sunday at 8.30pm / Sunday & Monday at 3pm  £20 all tickets (Fri preview) £25 all tickets (all other performances) World theatre icon, Robert Wilson directs and stars in Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape. In association with Change Performing Arts. UK and Irish Premiere. Part of the London 2012 Festival. Antony Gormley: Godot Tree The Grand Yard at the National Trust's Castle Coole, Enniskillen Monday 2nd July-Monday 27th August Free World famous sculptor, Antony Gormley designing a stage element (to form part of a production of Waiting for Godot for HAPPY DAYS 2013), installed and publicly exhibited for the first time. World Premiere and part of the London 2012 Festival. Atom Egoyan: Steenbeckett                                               The Clinton Centre, Enniskillen                                              Saturday 11th-Monday 27th August Free    Atom Egoyan, nominated for two Palme D'Or Awards and two Academy Awards, presents his installation Steenbeckett (2002), a work from The Artangel Collection that is premiering in Ireland prior to its accession by the Tate. Part of the London 2012 Festival.   Ian Bostridge: Schubert's Winterreise Evening Music + Words series St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen Sunday 26th August, 6.27pm £15.00 all tickets One of Europe's favourite tenors, Ian Bostridge singing Schubert's Winterreise, Beckett's most-favoured piece of music. Accompanied by brilliant UK pianist, Julius Drake. Gavin Bryars Ensemble: The Sinking Of The Titanic and The Beckett Songbook Evening Music + Words series St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen Saturday 25th August, 7.12pm £12.50 all tickets Britain's favourite living composer, Gavin Bryars with his Ensemble performing his most famous work, The Sinking of the Titanic, alongside a World Premiere of The Beckett Songbook, a HAPPY DAYS commission. Part of the London 2012 Festival. Vienna Piano Trio Morning Music series                                                             Mount Lourdes School, Enniskillen                                        Saturday August 25th, 10.30am                                              £15.00 all tickets                                                                    The Vienna Piano Trio performing trios from some of Beckett's favourite composers, Haydn, Schubert and Beethoven. Ruby Philogene MBE (mezzo soprano) & Julius Drake (piano): French Song & Opera Arias  Evening Music & Words - Closing Recital Celebrating 60 years of Castle Coole being in National Trust care  Entrance Hall, Castle Coole, Enniskillen Monday 27th August, 6pm £15.00 (includes glass of wine) Castle Coole was built in 1789, the year of the French Revolution. To celebrate the Revolution and Beckett's love of France, a night of French Song by Faure and French opera arias (Bizet's Carmen, Saints Saens' Samson et Delilah) plus Schubert and Richard Strauss, for a touch of Oscar Wilde. The recital is preceded by a short reading from Jean Rhys' autobiography Smile Please (the Paris Years). Stuart Silver The Small Hard Stool (Comedy Programme) Full details to be announced. Perrier Award-winner and Bafta-nominated comedian, Stuart Silver Edna O'Brien in Conversation with William Crawley       Opening Event                                                                        Thursday 23rd August, 7.30pm                                              Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen                                               £15 all tickets                                                                         Lady Antonia Fraser In Conversation  Friday 24th August, 6.00pm Steele Hall, Portora Royal School, Enniskillen £10 all tickets                                                                         John Banville & George Craig In Conversation  Writer's Talks Sunday August 26th, 4pm Mount Lourdes School, Enniskillen All tickets £10 John Banville is one of Ireland's most outstanding writers, a Booker Prize winner and a great admirer of Samuel Beckett's work.  George Craig is an Editor & Translator of the highly acclaimed The Letters of Samuel Beckett, Volume 2.  TICKETS FOR SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM www.happy-days-enniskillen.com FROM 10AM THURSDAY 19th APRIL   TICKETS FOR ROBERT WILSON + EDNA O'BRIEN ONLY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE www.ardhowentheatre.com   TELEPHONE (028) 6632 5440                                                  London 2012 Festival in Northern Ireland The London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Movements. Spread over four years, it is designed to give everyone in the UK a chance to be part of London 2012 and inspire creativity across all forms of culture, especially among young people. The culmination of the Cultural Olympiad will be the London 2012 Festival, a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK, from Midsummers Day on 21 June and running until the final day of the Paralympic Games on 9 September 2012.The London 2012 Festival will celebrate the huge range, quality and accessibility of the UK's world-class culture including dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, fashion, film and digital innovation, giving the opportunity for people across the UK to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition to co-commissions for the HAPPY DAYS Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, other London 2012 Festival highlights in Northern Ireland includethe spectacular Peace One Day "Global Truce 2012" concert in Derry-Londonderry; Land of Giants - the largest outdoor arts event ever seen in Northern Ireland; NI Opera's staging of Benjamin Britten's Noye's Fluddeat Belfast Zoo; internationally renowned German artist Hans Peter Kuhn transforming the Causeway Coast with his project FLAGS; Joel Simon's new Macropolis animated film centring around a story of disabled toy characters on an adventure through the streets of Belfast; and the Golden Thread Gallery's Draw Down The Walls series of events with a leading international artist in communities in North Belfast. People of Northern Ireland will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of London 2012 Festival events taking place right across the UK - including Martin Creed's All the Bells, through which people are encouraged to ring bells as loudly and quickly as they can at 8.00am on 27 July 2012 to welcome the 205 competing nations on the first day of the Games.  For more details on the programme and to sign up for information visit www.london2012.com/festival                                                                                                                                                       ENDS