World's largest gathering of young beekeepers buzzing in Belfast

The world's largest meeting of young beekeepers has gathered in Northern Ireland for the first time.

About 75 competitors aged 12–18 from 27 countries took part in the 14th International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) in Belfast.

The event included learning, competition and cultural exchange as young beekeeping talent from around the world took part in workshops and swapped tips.

In the main competition young beekeepers did a series of practical tasks to show off their skills, including equipment building and wildflower planting.

Teams were made up of beekeepers from different countries so they could learn from one another.

Some of the young beekeepers told the BBC the bees at the competition were a little more assertive than those they were used to.

Elan, from Australia, has four hives of his own, but his family has about 700 hives commercially.

He said: "The bees, I would say, were a tad more aggressive than the ones down under, with me getting stung as well."

John from Northern Ireland grew up around beekeeping and was also at the event alongside his sister.

"It's been great. I've been making new friends, it's been very fun," he said.

"We've been going around wee spots doing tasks like making frames, we made a super [storage space above a beehive] and designed labels, so it's been very fun."

The Ulster Beekeepers Association (UBKA) hosted the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers this year.

The next meeting will take place in Turkey in 2027.