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[Kilsally]

Poignant memorial to launch of liner
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/poignant-memorial-to-launch-of-liner-1-3693354

Titanic Ship 401 left Belfast on the 2nd April 100 years ago and to mark this centenary The Titanic Foundation with Titanic Belfast launched 401 balloons into the air with the help of pupils from Victoria College, RBAI and Methody. Pictured are Julie Daly Finance and Developement Manager of The Titanic Foundation Ltd, Tim Husbands Director of Titanic Belfast, Lord Mayor, Jonathan Hegan Chair of The Titanic Foundation Ltd, Bryan Gregory Chief Executive of The Titanic Foundation Ltd and Catherine McGinnis Communications Officer for The Titanic Foundation Ltd.

Published on Tuesday 3 April 2012 08:20

ONE hundred children released 401 balloons yesterday to mark the day a century ago that the Titanic left Belfast for the final time on her ill-fated maiden voyage.

One hundred years ago yesterday crowds lined Belfast Lough to wave Titanic off as she sailed first to Southampton, then to Cherbourg in France and finally called at Cork before setting off across the Atlantic towards New York.

But the maiden voyage ended in tragedy when the ship struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, and sank within hours causing the death of 1,514 of her passengers.

Titanic was given the number 401 during her construction at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast.

Before the balloon release the schoolchildren – including choirs from Victoria College, Assumption Grammar School, Methody and the Royal Belfast Academical Institution – performed on a replica of the famous first class staircase in the new Titanic Belfast attraction for 200 community and voluntary organisations during a special breakfast event.

They sung a specially commissioned choral work Titanic Voyage written by Philip Stopford, director of music at St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Mr Stopford said it had been a “real challenge” to write new music for the Titanic commemorations.

“I tried to capture the splendour and majesty of the ship along with the immense tragedy,” he said.

“These excellent choirs from Northern Ireland schools gave a super first performance and it was a great thrill to be conducting it on the grand staircase right above the slipway where the ship was built.”

The event was organised by the Belfast City Council and Titanic Foundation.

“As well as being a significant tourist attraction, we want people to see Titanic Belfast as an asset for all communities in Northern Ireland,” said Titanic Foundation vice chairman Noel Rooney.

Meanwhile the Public Record Office Northern Ireland will host an evening of musical entertainment on April 12 from 6pm as part of the Titanic Festival of Creative Arts.

The programme will reflect the songs and music of the first two decades of the 20th century at a time when Titanic was being planned and built.

Booking for this event is essential as places are limited. To book email [email protected], or telephone 028 9053 4800 and ask for PRONI.

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