Lord Mayor launches Titanic celebrations

Talks and storytelling, walking and boat tours, and a special commemorative exhibition are among the elements being brought together over eight days to commemorate ‘Titanic - Made In Belfast’.

Building on the success of last year’s 90th anniversary events – which attracted 31,000 visitors, almost one third of whom came from outside Northern Ireland – the 2003 ‘Titanic - Made In Belfast’ programme of events kicks off on April 19.

At the launch of the event in Harland and Wolff this morning, Lord Mayor of Belfast Alex Maskey said: “In the latter part of the 19th Century, Belfast could rightly claim to be the commercial and industrial capital of Ireland.

“The City boasted a proud array of industrial strengths, including the world’s largest shipyard, ropeworks and tobacco factory, and was at the forefront in textile engineering.

“Belfast City Council is proud to be hosting a week-long Titanic event, the purpose of which is to celebrate, commemorate and educate. The city can be proud of the magnificent technological achievement that was Titanic – no mean ship from no mean city.”

The events begins with the ‘Titanic At Home’ exhibition, which will be officially opened by Millvina Dean – one of only three Titanic survivors alive today – and John Parkinson, President of the Ulster Titanic Society, who as a child watched the liner leave port.

The main event, ‘Titanic At Home’, will focus on the creation of the ship, the workers and those who sailed aboard the ill-fated liner.

A special booklet, detailing all of the events being staged to celebrate ‘Titanic - Made In Belfast’, is being distributed to households throughout the City.

Further information also can be obtained from the Belfast City Council on 028 9027 0222 or online at www.belfastcity.gov.uk

(GMcG)