Corranny Forest was the location of a unique immersive arts show organised by Sliabh Beagh Arts, called ‘Phoenix Song’.
Showcasing the results of the year-long Sliabh Beagh Arts programme, the outdoor event saw the hand-made ‘Forest Moon’ stage being brought to life with story-telling, shadows discs, dance, wood carvings, batik, drumming, choirs, musicians and interactive sound sculpture. 
“We are a voluntary group of artists, musicians, potters, percussionists, writers, sculptors, dancers, carpenters, helpers, singers and general do-gooders who have an interest in the artistic way of life,” said Donna Bannon, Sliabh Beagh Arts Co-ordinator. She explained that the Phoenix Song event was “an atmospheric celebration of the Sliabh Beagh Arts programme, which was funded by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Throughout the previous year, locals have been enjoying workshops in the following: 
• Shadow dance, an eight week Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre programme facilitated by Anna Treanor in Donagh and Fivemiletown for eight to 12 year olds;
• Doun Doun dance, a seven week Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre programme facilitated by Anna Tranor in the Knocks Hall for adults;
• Community singing workshops and music production sessions by Lisnaskea musician Sinead Connolly in the Knocks Hall and the Sliabh Beagh Arts headquarters at Corranny studio;
• Soundscape workshops delivered in local primary schools by artist Robert Perry;
• Batik (a form of cloth dying), a 10 week programme delivered to Derrygannon Dawn women’s group by Elaine Agnew (and their flags were on display);
• African drumming, an eight week programme in Knocks Hall delivered by Mathew Vernon from Beat and Drum, Belfast.
Ahead of the show, Patrick McCabe (son of Clones author Eugene McCabe) and Lisnaskea artist Kevin McHugh wrote the story which was then brought to life through narration and video production during the event. Kevin Mc Hugh created spinning shadow discs for the event in addition to working with four local primary schools, delivering shadow puppet workshops.
“All the artists worked together towards the production, assuring that each separate programme of activity linked with each other, melding a show for the final celebration,” explained Ms. Bannon.
Setting the scene, she added: “As dusk settle and the forest turned to twilight, the drumming group opened the show by performing a piece for the Doun Doun dancers, who played bass drums that were handmade by Max Carnson. “Then the video and narration began telling the story of Phoenix (a boy) and Knolly (a dog) jumping through puddle portals into times in history when humans got it very wrong in terms of how to live happily and peacefully with each other. Basically, the message was that we should all be free to explore the world, experience new cultures,” said Ms. Bannon.
The themes of the show included “how we should be more focused on the natural way; value family and friends instead of technology or money; equality for all no matter what religion or sexuality.”
After each chapter, the choir, musicians and shadow dancers performed a piece in keeping with the themes, then the video and narration began again.  “In addition to the performance we had the shadow discs spinning and sound sculpture surrounding the enclosure,” Ms. Bannon outlined. “The forest was lit with fairy lights and we had fires burning.” She thanked the volunteers for their time and effort in constructing the stage and preparing the area for visitors, commenting: “Without them, none of this would have been possible as our funding is minimal. We are lucky to have such a talented bunch in the area. All of the elements came together brilliantly to provide a magical evening.”