Belfast Community Groups Explore Reimagined Titanic Experience

Thirsty six local community groups from across Belfast were joined by Deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Kelly for a special trip to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic, as part of Local Community Day.

Maritime Belfast Trust, the charity set up to preserve and promote Belfast's maritime and industrial heritage, including the development of Titanic Belfast, worked in collaboration with Titanic Belfast to provide 500 complimentary tickets to the reimagined Titanic Experience. The community groups came from Bloomfield Community Association, Sailortown Regeneration, Oldpark and Ardoyne Parent and Children Group, South Belfast Boat and Kayak Club, Ligoniel Healthy Living Centre, Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, Forward South, Extern and Belfast City of Sanctuary.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Michelle Kelly said: "It's wonderful to see these community groups coming from right across Belfast to enjoy the reimagined Titanic Belfast and soak up the sights, sounds and fascinating heritage of the Maritime Mile. Congratulations to everyone involved in making these experiences so accessible and welcoming."

Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of Maritime Belfast Trust said: "We have delivered six Local Community Day initiatives since 2016, welcoming over 3,000 people from 210 groups across the north, south, east and west of the city. The event sees the building opened up to a range of neighbourhood communities, charities and not-for-profit organisations, allowing visitors to enjoy the experience who may not otherwise get the chance to visit Titanic Belfast.

"As part of the Titanic Belfast Gallery Refreshment Fund, Maritime Belfast Trust and Titanic Belfast Limited (owner and operator) have recently invested £4.5 million into refurbishing the final galleries, adding a new 'wow' experience, which incorporates unique and breath-taking artefacts. This investment underpins Maritime Belfast's wider aspirations to deliver a vibrant, connected, and animated heritage waterfront for local people and visitors to enjoy. As part of the day guests were able to explore the reimagined Titanic Experience, as well as having the opportunity to go on board SS Nomadic."

Judith Owens, MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast said: "At Titanic Belfast, we continue to go from strength to strength and we know we couldn't do it without local support. We are delighted to be able to once again partner with Maritime Belfast Trust to open our doors to the local community to show our appreciation. This year we are excited to be showcasing our most immersive experience to date, as visitors can explore the reimagined Titanic Experience and connect with the personal stories of those impacted by the world-famous ship."

Ms Graham from Oldpark and Ardoyne Community Group said: "We were so excited to be invited down to Local Community Day. We had not been since the attraction opened over 10 years ago and it was great to see the new reimagined experience."

Maritime Belfast Trust is committed to developing Belfast's waterfront as a place for everyone to enjoy, and is currently working with Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Titanic Quarter Limited and key government departments to scope how the waterfront can fully realise its potential as a connected, vibrant corridor linking with key destinations, neighbourhood communities and the city centre. Local Community Day also provided an opportunity for the groups to contribute ideas to develop initiatives for the future of Belfast's iconic waterfront.