diff --git a/gnomeclocks/alarm.py b/gnomeclocks/alarm.py
index c28a415..2f4cc61 100644
--- a/gnomeclocks/alarm.py
+++ b/gnomeclocks/alarm.py
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ class AlarmDialog(Gtk.Dialog):
         return True
 
     def get_alarm_item(self):
-        name = self.entry.get_text()
+        name = self.entry.get_text().decode('utf-8')
         h = self.hourselect.get_value_as_int()
         m = self.minuteselect.get_value_as_int()
         if self.cf == "12h":
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ class Alarm(Clock):
         alert = Alert("alarm-clock-elapsed", alarm.name,
                       self._on_notification_activated)
         widget = AlarmWidget(self, alarm, alert)
-        label = GLib.markup_escape_text(alarm.name)
+        label = GLib.markup_escape_text(alarm.name.encode('utf-8'))
         view_iter = self.liststore.append([False,
                                            widget.get_pixbuf(),
                                            "<b>%s</b>" % label,
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@ class StandaloneAlarm(Gtk.Box):
 
     def get_name(self):
         name = self.alarm.name
-        return GLib.markup_escape_text(name)
+        return GLib.markup_escape_text(name.encode('utf-8'))
 
     def set_ringing(self, show):
         self.buttons.set_visible(show)
