From Florida to the Fleadh: Meet the volunteers keeping the festival flowing

Addison McGowan from Florida says the Fleadh has been "so much fun"

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.

"Everyone's admiring everyone and it feels like such a safe place to be, it's so heartwarming."

Kevin McVeigh played a key role as a welcome ambassador at the opening ceremony of the Fleadh on Sunday afternoon

Kevin McVeigh didn't have as far to travel, as the Fleadh is taking place in his home city.

"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."

"There is the economic benefit as well and it gives a great boost to the city – it is for everyone."

For Volunteer Now, this is one of the biggest events they've been involved in.

Community projects manager Lyndsey Armstrong says the response has been "incredible".

"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."

And she says the Fleadh couldn't be held without them: "Volunteers add that extra sparkle to any event. They're not here to replace any paid