Titanic 100 - Cobh 2012

Cobh in Cork Harbour, was the last port of call for the ill-fated cruise liner Titanic. To mark the centenary of the Titanic’s voyage Cobh Town Council has initiated a programme of events running throughout the centenary year to pay tribute to the Titanic and the people associated with her.

The events will appeal to a wide audience. Some will predominantly focus on the Titanic and Ireland’s part in her history. Others, although still having the centenary in mind, will concentrate in the underlining themes which were prominent in the time of the Titanic, positive themes that are still prevalent into today's society, such as:

Remembering – bygone times and people past
Connecting – people and places
Imagining – being creative and daring to dream
Believing – Anything is possible if one has the belief

Summary of Events

Feb 2012: Titanic 100 Commemoration Ball, scheduled for Saturday 18 February.

A Titanic Themed Ball for up to 500 patrons. The venue will be themed with the Titanic’s dining room in mind. The menu will be reflective of the menu served on the Titanic and a musical ensemble will perform music reminiscent of 1912. There will be a few inspiring surprises through out the night to make this commemorative ball a real night to remember.

March 2012: Fireworks Display, scheduled for St Patrick's Day, Saturday 17 March.

A proposed fireworks display on Spike Island, in Cork Harbour, will acknowledge the lead up to the 100 year Titanic centenary week. As Spike Island is cradled within one of the largest natural harbours in the world, hundreds of thousands of people will be able to watch the display from many vantage points in the surrounding areas.

Apr-12

A week-long programme of events remembering the Titanic and the people associated with her, including:

Monday 9 April

Balmoral Cruise Liner welcome – The MS Balmoral is retracing the Titanic’s journey and will arrive in Cobh where there will be a welcome for the liner and her passengers. This will be a joyful occasion, welcoming the Balmoral and paying tribute to the Titanic.

Tuesday 10 – Thursday 12 April

During the day, stalls will be set up along the Cobh quayside giving many visitors the opportunity to try various styles of food and purchase memorabilia.

Wednesday 11 April

National tribute - An event to mark 100 years exactly from when the Titanic arrived in Cork Harbour and when the last of Titanic’s passengers and supplies left Cobh.

This National tribute will include an International Fleet Review from the Irish Navy and fly-over from the Irish Air Corp. Prominent and international dignitaries will be attend this once-in-a-lifetime occasion and respects will be paid to all those who lost their lives as a result of the tragedy. The tribute will be followed be a concert extravaganza, including music and performance, telling the story of the Titanic and its connection with the whole of Ireland.

Wednesday 11 – Saturday 14 April (Evening)

Outdoor concert performances will tell the story of the Titanic and its connection with Ireland, emigration and the diaspora through music and other performances. The concerts will feature internationally renowned artists and composers.

Saturday 14 April

During the day, the Irish Coast Guard will perform a display with a difference, comparing rescue techniques of bygone days with modern day and state-of-the-art procedures.

Sunday 15 April: Titanic Remembrance Service

An ecumenical service to mark the century of the Titanic tragedy.

Friday 20 – Saturday 21 April: Titanic Lectures

A series of lectures exploring the many aspects of the Titanic story. Well-known authors including Professor John Wilson Foster, who has written a number of books on the subject, will deliver lectures over the weekend. A 'must' for anyone with the urge to receive an academic view on the subject of the Titanic.

May 2012: International Short Film Competition

This is a simple competition, open to anyone, from schoolchildren to retirees. Entrants are encouraged to produce a short film of no more than 7 minutes in length. The emphasis is on creativity and imagination. All film content must have at least one element relating to the Titanic.

Prominent film industry professionals will judge the films and the best 16 entries will be shown to a live audience in a purpose-built outdoor cinema. It is ancipated that the Titanic cities of Liverpool, Belfast, Southampton, Cherbourg and Halifax will be involved in the competition.

Details of how and when to enter the International Short Film Competition will be made available on www.titanic100.ie.

Jun-12

Concerts on Spike Island will give the public a unique opportunity to be entertained by world class acts on, arguably, the most historical island in Ireland.

July 2012

A vintage fair in the streets of Cobh for visitors who are intrigued by the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Step off the train at the Cobh Train Station and be transported back to the beginning of the 20th century. Take a short trip on a horse and trap, or maybe a penny-farthing bicycle. Be entertained by a magician of the Victorian era or listen to the music of the time.

August 2012: Titanic 100 Cobh Peoples’ Regatta

One of the longest running regattas in Europe will be enhanced to commemorate the Titanic Centenary. The year would not be complete without a maritime festival and Titanic 100 will add to the successful annual regatta.

Sept/Oct 2012

Various Titanic themed lectures, exhibitions, recitals and plays will be ongoing in Cobh and its surrounding areas. A visit to Cobh in the autumn will still have give you the opportunity to be absorbed by the fascinating story that is Titanic.

Dec 2012: Closing Ceremony and Christmas Market

As 2012 comes to an end, Cobh will continue to remember the Titanic and the people involved with her. It will be a time to reflect on centenary year inthe town and to remember the Titanic once again. This event will co-ordinate with the first of what is hoped to be an annual Christmas Market in Cobh.

Other events throughout the year are expected to take place and will be included in the Titanic 100 Cobh 2012 event calendar in the coming months.

Please note, the proposed events, dates for and scale of all events above are subject to change. Please refer to www.titanic100.ie regularly for updates.