THREE music students from St Mary's University College in Belfast are to take part in St Patrick's Day celebrations in the home of country music.
Molly Walls, Maeve O’Donnell and Rosie McElroy will perform at the Music City Irish Fest in Nashville later this month.
The three musicians are set to take to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry Plaza for two nights, where they will play traditional Irish music.
The invitation to the St Mary’s students came from the president of the 'Nashville Sister Cities', an organisation that connects the people of Nashville to others across the world, promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.
During the week-long trip, the three BEd music students will be promoting Belfast’s UNESCO music status. They will also learn about the Nashville music industry and have the opportunity to record a track at one of the world renowned studios on Music Row.
Professor Peter Finn, principal of St Mary's College, said the initiative "builds on an extensive portfolio of travel and learning opportunities for our students".
Brenda Willis from Music City Irish Fest said: "Music is a universal bridge that connects people and cultures.
"This St Patrick’s Day, Music City Irish Fest in Nashville is delighted to welcome students from St Mary’s University College to collaborate on music performances that will continue to build the Sister Cities relationship between these two musical cities."
Belfast lord mayor Christina Black added that the visit "will allow Belfast to promote our new UNESCO City Of Music status to America’s music city".
"St Mary’s is renowned for the role that music plays in the college and performing at Nashville’s Music City Irish Fest provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase both the college and the city," she said.
"These students are the perfect Belfast ambassadors."
