Titanic Pumphouse (www.thenorthernirelandguide.co.uk) |
Unquestionably the most iconic ship on the planet, the Titanic is a Belfast story. Belfast built her, endured her tragic loss, and is now a city celebrating her glory. Evidence of this is the stunning £97 million piece of modern architecture named the ‘Titanic Belfast’ building (currently under construction and due to open in 2012) majestically overlooking the very spot RMS Titanic first glided into the waters of Belfast Lough. For 2011 the city is extending the annual Titanic festival over a two-month period, running from 31 March - 31 May, the 100th anniversary of the ship’s launch. The ‘Titanic 100’ festival will feature a variety of special events, including an exhibition focusing on the fantastic work of the great Irish photographer RJ Welch, Harland & Wolff’s official photographer during the Titanic era. Belfast also promises ‘great things’ in the home of RMS Titanic for the centenary of her maiden voyage in April 2012.