Belfast Unites in Song Where a Ring of Steel Once Stood

A weeklong celebration of Irish music and culture is currently underway in Northern Ireland. The major cultural event has brought an expected 800,000 people to the capital city. This large gathering marks a notable moment for the urban center. The celebration highlights how far the city has evolved over the decades. These changes come long after a bloody sectarian conflict left deep divisions. The influx of visitors transforms areas where a ring of steel once stood. Locals and travelers alike are participating in the historic weeklong festivities. The large turnout underscores the ongoing transformation of the region.