Belfast is hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's largest festival of Irish music and culture, with the support of over 1,300 volunteers. These volunteers, ranging in age from 17 to 80, are easily identifiable in their yellow bucket hats and t-shirts and are stationed throughout the city center to assist attendees with directions and information.
Among the volunteers is Addison McGowan, a student from Florida Gulf Coast University who traveled from Florida to participate. For McGowan, this is her first visit outside the United States. She described her experience as a welcome ambassador at the Fleadh, expressing a newfound appreciation for traditional Irish music. "It's awesome. I love seeing all the instruments, I love the music," she said, adding that she enjoys the atmosphere in the pubs, which she finds different from what is experienced in America. McGowan noted that she doesn't mind the rainy weather and finds the overall atmosphere heartwarming, describing it as a safe place where people admire one another.
The festival, which runs until August 9, is the result of a recruitment effort by Volunteer Now in conjunction with Belfast City Council and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, a society for Irish musicians.