VOLUNTEERS COMING FROM RUSSIA, SPAIN AND REST OF WORLD FOR THE 2018 FLEADH
VOLUNTEERS FROM RUSSIA, JAPAN & SPAIN FOR FLEADH
It’s just under a fortnight until the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann train steams into Drogheda, with thousands of people from all over Ireland and the world on board to the banks of the Boyne.
But it’s not just international tourists we can expect, as Drogheda will also be welcoming volunteers for the week from all corners of the globe, including Japan, Russia and Spain.
“We have people applying to volunteer at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from all over the world – from places that you might expect like the UK or America,” says Gráinne Berrill, Manager of Louth Volunteer Centre who are looking after the Fleadh Volunteer Programme.
“What has surprised us is that volunteers are also travelling from countries as far afield as Japan and Russia!”.
When asked why people would come from so far away to Drogheda to help out Gráinne said there are many reasons.
“Some people are returning to the Fleadh Cheoil and had such a positive experience of volunteering at it that they want to help out again,” she explains. “In other cases, they are travelling to the Fleadh, and Drogheda for the first time and have heard that volunteering is a great way to get involved.”
Gráinne gives the example of a Spanish volunteer who said she had heard about Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from Irish people in Bilbao and she and her partner are really excited about coming here. Another fan is Erkin from Russia, who has signed up to volunteer at the Fleadh.
“From childhood I have always dreamt of participating in such a traditional Irish festival,’ Erkin told the Drogheda Independent. “I’ll come from Saint Petersburg to enjoy the traditional Irish atmosphere”.
Both volunteers are travelling to the Fleadh for the first time because Drogheda is so accessible, and this could be taken as an indicator for the number of international visitors who will travel to Drogheda for the event.
While it is fantastic that people from all over the world want to take part as volunteers, it’s important that local people get involved too. Anyone over the age of 15 can volunteer, the minimum commitment is just four hours and there are a wide variety of roles between the 12th and 19th August. Training is provided, and upcoming training dates include the 1st or 2nd August in Drogheda.
To apply to volunteer, visit http://fleadhcheoil.ie/volunteers/ or contact the Louth Volunteer Centre team at 041 9809008 or fleadh@volunteer.ie.