THE spirit of Irish playwright Samuel Beckett is very much being felt in Fermanagh this week as the fourth Happy Days Festival continues to delight audiences from all over the world. And ahead of its second weekend, Sean Doran, the festival’s artistic director and founder, says there is still plenty more to see and do as he attempts to keep the Beckett magic alive.

“We are really delighted with the response not only from the audience but the artists and the local community over the past weekend to this year’s Happy Days Festival. Visitor numbers and sales have once again exceeded expectations which is fantastic for week one and we are hoping to build on this further over the coming weekend,” Mr. Doran told The Impartial Reporter.

Performances such as the breathtaking Ohio Impromptu at Devenish Island to the stunning light and video installation of Stirrings Still have been wowing festival goers during the last week.

“Just when you thought things couldn’t get any better-there is plenty more to come. We look forward to welcoming Oscar nominated Stephen Rea as part of the discussion on Jack MacGowran and Kevin McNally as Tony Hancock in The Missing Hancocks. We also have more world premieres with Sophie Hunter’s Phaedra at Necarne Castle and the most controversial production of Waiting for Godot in 60 years,” he said.

“As Beckett said dance first, think later or in this case, book first and think later, it’s the natural order,” said Mr. Doran. As part of the festival, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will be holding a a sports day this Saturday (August 1).

The Beckett Sports Day will run from 12 noon to 2pm at the Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen and includes football and track and field activities. The sessions are free of charge, however spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The events are for children aged seven to 11 years old.

“Samuel Beckett was not only a Nobel Prize Winner but also a sports enthusiast who participated in various sports. Therefore it is fitting that children can participate in these activities in a safe and fun environment,” said Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Thomas O’Reilly.