The 13th Belfast International Homecoming will take place from 7 to 9 October, with a gala dinner at the Titanic Hotel where Ambassador Medals will be awarded to prominent figures from the Irish diaspora.

Confirmed medal recipients include Elizabeth Breadon, President of Boston City Council, and New Jersey Senator Joseph Cryan. Construction executive Brendan Kerr, head of Keltbray and based in England, will also be honoured, alongside Hugo Straney, a native of the Divis Flats area who is now a well-known figure in Canada.

A commemorative journal containing full portraits of the medal recipients will be printed in magazine format and distributed at the gala dinner.

Organisers are also inviting members of the Irish diaspora who cannot attend in person to submit a photograph from their adopted home. The images will be published on the Belfast Media website and in a special Homecoming supplement. Submissions can be emailed to i.sweeney@belfastmedia.com.

The event is the 13th edition of the annual homecoming gathering.