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.”

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.”

He believes the Fleadh will be “very positive for Belfast”.

“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 staff but they’re there to provide that warm welcome.”

Sharon 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”.

“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.

“I have a feeling it is going to be mental,” he said ahead of the festivities.

“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!”

Camilla Reynolds has volunteered at various events for more than 30 years.

She loves music, so the Fleadh was a “lovely opportunity for her to get involved”.

“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.”

Toby Brusey, from Volunteer Now, says the Fleadh could not happen without people giving up their time for free.

“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.”

And he hopes it will inspire a rise in volunteering for future events, particularly with the Fleadh coming back to Belfast in 2027.