More than 1,300 people aged from 17 to 80 will be giving up their time this week – for free – to volunteer during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (Music Festival of Ireland).
Easy to spot, in their yellow bucket hats and yellow T-shirts., they’ll be stationed throughout the city centre to help with things like directions and advice.
Among them is Addison McGowan, who travelled 1,490 miles to volunteer.
It follows a recruitment drive from Volunteer Now, along with Belfast City Council, and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann – the society of the musicians of Ireland.
The eight-day festival, which runs until 9 August, is the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture.
McGowan is part of a study abroad group from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Volunteering as a welcome ambassador at the Fleadh, Belfast is the first place she has visited outside of the USA.
She’s developed a new-found a love for traditional Irish music saying: “It’s awesome. I love seeing all the instruments, I love the music.”
“I’ve had the most fun in all the pubs getting the atmosphere, we don’t really get that in America.
“I don’t mind the rainy weather; I think it’s great.
“Everyone’s admiring everyone and it feels like such a safe place to be, it’s so heartwarming.”
