More than 1,300 people aged from 17 to 80 are giving up their time for free this week to volunteer during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the Music Festival of Ireland. The eight-day festival runs until 9 August and is the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture, with volunteers stationed throughout Belfast city centre to help with directions and advice.
The effort follows a recruitment drive by Volunteer Now, Belfast City Council and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the society of the musicians of Ireland. Among those helping is Addison McGowan, who travelled 1,490 miles to take part.
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 the USA.
She said she has developed a new-found love for traditional Irish music:
"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."
How is the festival being supported on the ground?
Volunteers in yellow bucket hats and yellow T-shirts are easy to spot across the city centre, where they are helping visitors with practical information and guidance. Their role is to provide support for people attending the festival and to make the event feel welcoming.
Kevin McVeigh played a key role as a welcome ambassador at the opening ceremony of the Fleadh on Sunday afternoon.
He did not have as far to travel as many of the other volunteers because the festival is taking place in his home city.
He said:
"I am a big fan of volunteering, I think it is the social glue that helps foster good relations with people.
"I am a fan of traditional music, I don't play an instrument, but I enjoy it.
"I will be in the city centre to hand out leaflets, answer questions, give directions, be a visible symbol of the volunteers, so people can approach me."
He believes the Fleadh will be
"very positive for Belfast"and added:
"There is the economic benefit as well and it gives a great boost to the city – it is for everyone."
Image caption, Kevin McVeigh played a key role as a welcome ambassador at the opening ceremony of the Fleadh on Sunday afternoon
Why does Volunteer Now say the response has been so strong?
For Volunteer Now, this is one of the biggest events it has been involved in, and community projects manager Lyndsey Armstrong said the response had been
"incredible".
She said:
"We've been involved in lots of events, the diversity of the volunteers that came forward, in age range, background and ethnicity is really wonderful to see.
"Ninety per cent of people who applied are from the greater Belfast area, it's people who want to showcase Belfast and give that really warm welcome to people coming here, maybe for the first time."
She added that the Fleadh could not be held without volunteers:
"Volunteers add that extra sparkle to any event. They're not here to replace any paid staff but they're there to provide that warm welcome."
Sharon Hackett said the atmosphere in the volunteer hub has been really positive.
Image caption, Sharon Hackett says the atmosphere in the volunteer hub has been really positive
Hackett got involved because she believes Belfast
"is a great city"and did not want to be left thinking
"I wish I had done that".
She said:
"It has been brilliant so far, the buzz in the city centre has been incredible.
"I am down for four shifts this week, but I have also left days to get involved and attend various events.
"The atmosphere in the volunteer hub has been really positive, there is a willingness to make it work and show Belfast in a positive light."
Ace Ward, 27, is a fluent Irish speaker and is looking forward to welcoming people to Belfast in Irish.
He said ahead of the festivities:
"I have a feeling it is going to be mental,"
"Belfast on its own on a summer's day is very busy. I can only imagine the amount of people who'll be here.
"I'm worried we're going to run out of space!"
How does volunteering connect people through music?
Camilla Reynolds has volunteered at various events for more than 30 years and said she has always loved volunteering.
Image caption, Camilla Reynolds says she has always loved volunteering
She loves music, so the Fleadh was a
"lovely opportunity for her to get involved".
Reynolds said:
"I love diversity, I love connecting with people, it's so important that Belfast is able to showcase what's happening locally.
"We need to embrace, connect and enjoy each other through music.
"It's just a lovely energy about the city; I really would encourage people to come down and just experience things."
What does Volunteer Now hope happens next?
Toby Brusey, from Volunteer Now, said the Fleadh could not happen without people giving up their time for free.
Image caption, Toby Brusey, Communications Manager for the Fleadh volunteers at Volunteer Now
He said:
"It is really amazing and incredible to see and kind of heartwarming to see that many people looking to help others.
"We have got volunteers from Florida and France, it's amazing to see that and to hear the stories of why people are getting involved."
He hopes the event will inspire more volunteering for future events, particularly with the Fleadh coming back to Belfast in 2027.
Key Facts
- More than 1,300 volunteers aged 17 to 80 are helping at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
- The eight-day festival runs until 9 August in Belfast.
- Volunteer recruitment was led by Volunteer Now, Belfast City Council and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
- Among the volunteers is Addison McGowan, who travelled 1,490 miles from Florida.
- The Fleadh will return to Belfast in 2027.
