Nominations have opened for the Belfast Ambassador Medals, awards that will be presented at the 13th Belfast International Homecoming in October.

The two-day homecoming event is scheduled for 8 and 9 October in Belfast. A gala dinner on 8 October at the Titanic Hotel will include the medal presentation.

The medals recognise individuals in the Irish or Ulster-Scots diaspora who have promoted Belfast, built bridges and supported the peace process. Nominations can be submitted via the Homecoming website.

Connla McCann, co-founder of the Belfast International Homecoming, said the event invites the Irish worldwide to honour those who contributed to the peaceful and prosperous Belfast of today. He noted that Ireland has a population of 7 million and a diaspora of 70 million, describing the homecoming as a celebration of that global family. Over two days, the event will showcase the best of Belfast, he added.