Titanic concert to be beamed around the world

A HUGE outdoor concert from Titanic’s last port of call will be beamed around the world next year to mark the 100th anniversary of her sinking.

The concert, featuring music by Riverdance composer Bill Whelan, will be one of the highlights of the year-long Titanic 100 Cobh 2012 commemoration.

As part of a national tribute, the Navy will perform a fleet review and the Air Corps will execute a fly-past of Cobh on April 11 to mark the 100th anniversary of the doomed liner’s arrival in what was then Queenstown.

An ecumenical service on April 14 will mark the 100th anniversary of the vessel’s sinking.

Organisers say the 12-month programme will be one of the biggest maritime events in the country.

Project director Marc Anderson said: “Titanic 100 Cobh 2012 and our event partners welcome one and all to be part of the many wonderful experiences that will pay tribute to the Titanic and the people associated with her in Cobh, Cork City, and Cork Harbour throughout 2012 and beyond.

“We want to encourage imagination and creativity and would like to promote the positivity in believing anything is possible”.

The four-night concert in April will tell the story of Titanic, its connection with Ireland and its impact.

It will feature music composed and performed by international artists, including Riverdance composer Bill Whelan and ballet star, Monica Loughman, and will be streamed globally.

Spike Island will host outdoor summer concerts and a maritime festival will include rescue displays, races and The Escape from Spike Island — Titanic Challenge Triathlon.

www.titanic100.ie

The events

January 1 Gun salute and flares released from Spike Island.

March 17 Cobh’s St Patrick’s Day Parade steps back in time to 1912.

April 9 The MS Balmoral cruise liner, which is retracing the Titanic’s journey, arrives in Cobh.

April 11 To mark the day the Titanic arrived in Cobh, the Navy will conduct a fleet review, and the Air Corps will perform a fly-over.

April 14 The Irish Coast Guard will perform a rescue display comparing old techniques with new.

April 15 An ecumenical service to mark the century after the Titanic sinking.

May 26 The Ford International Short Film Competition aimed at school children.

June 22-24 Concerts on Spike Island.

July 14-15 Vintage Fair in Cobh.

August International Gourmet Festival, including a Titanic-themed gala dinner.

August 17-19 The Titanic 100 Cobh People’s Regatta.