Belfast has hit a significant landmark in its preparations for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with 1,000 volunteers now registered to support the event.

The world-renowned celebration of Irish music and culture is coming to the city for the first time, running from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August.

Those who have signed up will take on essential roles, including serving as street ambassadors and providing competition support. The recruitment drive, a collaborative effort between Volunteer Now, Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and Ards CCÉ, has attracted interest from local residents, people across Ireland, and international volunteers. Applications remain open for several more weeks via fleadhcheoil.ie/volunteer.

With an anticipated 800,000 visitors, Belfast City Council is also increasing its engagement with local businesses to ensure the event is safe and well-managed. Information sessions for city centre organisations are scheduled at the MAC on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 March from 10am to 11.30am. These meetings will cover vital logistics such as traffic management, road closures, and licensing. A dedicated briefing for the hospitality sector, including bars, hotels, and restaurants, will take place at City Hall on Friday 23 March from 12pm to 2.30pm. This session aims to help businesses plan for peak demand by sharing data on visitor flows from previous festivals.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, commented: "With huge visitor numbers expected to travel here to experience the Fleadh, local people, communities and businesses will all play a key role in making sure this cultural milestone leaves a lasting tourism and economic legacy.

"With over 1,000 volunteers stepping forward, it's clear our city wants to showcase the very best of Belfast to a global audience. As the backbone of our city experience, we want to help businesses and city centre organisations do the same. Bolstered by the support of our volunteers, they will provide the heartbeat of this event and ensure Belfast delivers a safe, vibrant and memorable visitor experience."

For more information about the business information sessions and to register, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh

For those unable to attend the events in person, further online information sessions will be delivered in the coming weeks.

Monday 23 March is also the closing date for applications to the council's Bank of Ideas scheme which is inviting residents to submit creative ideas that support the event through its theme of 'Celebrating Together'.

More information can be found at belfastcity.gov.uk/culturefunding