The aim of the event is to take performers and culture right into the heart of the community.

“There are a wide range of things happening during the festival,” said Cyril Maguire of the organising committee.

“It’s been in the planning for over a year, we’ve been organising funding, the venues and, of course, the performers.

“We want to represent as broad a section of the community as possible.”

And a line-up with dozens of events shows that, in an increasingly busy cultural calendar, Co Fermanagh can still attract renowned artists.

“The performers are more than happy to come to Enniskillen,” Cyril said.

“It’s a place a lot of them have never been before, and I think that’s part of the attraction.”

And the event has struck a chord with Fermanagh audiences: “people have really taken to it,” Cyril said.

Among the stand-out events are The Eliza Carthy Band which takes to the stage tonight (September 26) at Portora Royal School.

Two years ago, Eliza was on stage at Portora with her parents, who are also musicians, and the trio provided a resounding performance strong enough to wake the ghosts of Oscar Wilde or Samuel Beckett, both of whom once walked the corridors or this historic school.

Back on stage again this week, Eliza, a stomping, vocal force to be reckoned with and winner of many folk awards, will present her latest album, Dreams of Breathing Underwater.

The school will also host Border Fiddles and Andy Irvine.

Portora Royal School, as one of many fascinating venues, is set to host a run of wonderful performances throughout the week.

School principal Neill Morton said: “Our involvement in the arts festival reflects our commitment to the arts and the community.

“We were delighted to host the traditional music concerts at the last festival in 2006 and there is a greater variety of events based in the school this year.

“As a specialist school in the arts, we can benefit greatly from involvement of professionals in terms of value added to experiences of our performing arts students as well as from an employability perspective.”

Also tonight, Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra will perform at St Michael’s College at 8pm.

The orchestra formed in 1993 after courses by Ken Jordan at Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast – since then it has toured Europe and won prestigious Bass Arts Award in 1997.

In addition, Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra will also play from 10.30pm at Cafe Merlot’s jazz night with Bob Quick and jazz combo.

The outstanding drama event will see the Ardhowen Theatre stage Pumpgirl by Newry writer Abbie Spallen.

The highly-acclaimed play, which has had successful runs in New York and Edinburgh, is set in a South Armagh petrol station.

n Tickets: Fermanagh Tourist Information Centre, 028 6632 3110, also sold at venue door. Ardhowen Theatre box office 028 6632 5440. Visit www.enniskillenartsfestival.com.