Belfast Marks 100th Anniversary of the Titanic

Belfast is set to mark the 100th anniversary of the launch of one of the city’s most famous creations – RMS Titanic. On May 31st 1911, Titanic was launched into Belfast Lough by Harland & Wolff – then the largest shipyard in the world. It took three years to build and just 62 seconds to complete the launch.

To mark the occasion, there will be a special slipway event attended by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, dignitaries of Cherbourg and Titanic societies to reflect Belfast’s maritime heritage. There will also be a flare set-off to mark the moment exactly 100 years ago when the Titanic was launched.

Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment have jointly announced that James Cameron’s “Titanic” will be re-released worldwide on April 6, 2012. The release, which marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic setting sail, will present the film in 3D for the first time ever. (Read: Titanic to be Released Again in 3D)

A century after the Titanic set sail on its fateful voyage across the Atlantic, a second historic cruise will depart New York City on April 10, 2012. Guests can book the eight-night charter voyage on the deluxe 694-guest Azamara Journey, which will feature a series of Titanic historian lecturers. (Read: Titanic Voyage to Restart as Azamara Journey)

With a GBP 7bn investment in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and interactive visitor centre due to be unveiled in 2012, Tourism Ireland is keen to share the wonderful history of the Titanic through this programme of events.

Also, Tourism Ireland has launched an online game, Ireland Town, which aims to bring the holiday experience in Ireland to life for Facebook fans across the world. (Read: Tourism Ireland with Social Game on Facebook)

On 31st May 2011, The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum is launching TITANICa: The Exhibition to showcase her story. The exhibition, which runs until 31st August 2011, will feature more than 500 original artifacts – some of which have never been seen before – and will explore Titanic and her world.

Visitors can discover life on board the vessel through fascinating objects and personal stories that explore the tragic loss of the Titanic in 1912.

An innovative trail will link this exhibition in the Transport Museum to TITANICa: The People’s Story in the outdoor Folk Museum, where visitors will be able to explore a living history experience of Titanic.

Discovering people’s daily routines in the period before, during and after Titanic’s maiden voyage, guests will be able to walk the historic streets and journey through the shipyard riveter’s home, before visiting the Post Office to compose their own Morse code message sent from Titanic.

They can then pop to the printers to get their own Titanic launch ticket before heading on to the Newspaper Room to read publications printed from the time.

A festival of films featuring historic footage of life at the time of Titanic will also be on show in the Picture House. There will be opportunities to dress up in the fashionable costume of the time or just relax and watch the children play traditional games in the park.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said, “No ship has gripped the world’s imagination like RMS Titanic. Her remarkable story begins at her birthplace in Belfast, and we highly recommend visitors to Belfast to discover the story of her creation through this exhibition.

“Drawn by its vibrancy, warmth and charm, increasing numbers from around the world are making Belfast one of the most popular city destinations in Europe, where visitors can discover a thriving cultural scene combined with unique heritage including the story of the Titanic.”