Today (Friday 14 April), on the eve of the 105th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, a group of over 100 relatives, enthusiasts and historians have come to Belfast to discover where the Titanic story began.
The Titanic Gathering has been organised by Simon Medhurst, great grandson of the ship’s quartermaster, Robert Hichens, with support from Titanic Belfast and Visit Belfast.
Mr Medhurst, who hails from Chelmsford in England, said “I wanted to bring the Titanic family together. All over the world there are many relatives, enthusiasts and experts who have never had the chance to see where it all began here in Belfast. This Gathering is a chance for them to really connect with the birthplace of Titanic, and with each other.”
Over two days, the group, which includes the family behind the inspiration for the ‘Heart of the Ocean’ necklace from the Titanic film, will visit various sites related to Titanic, beginning with Titanic Belfast, where the group was welcomed on Friday by Ian Paisley Junior MP in the Titanic Suite, which features a replica of the grand staircase on the famous ship. After hearing from experts, authors and representatives from Titanic societies and groups from the UK and beyond, the group took time to explore Titanic Belfast, recently voted the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, and the SS Nomadic, which is the world’s largest Titanic artefact. Some will also join Titanic Belfast’s signature annual commemorative event – ‘A Night to Remember.’
Simon continued “We have people here from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia; relatives and experts alike who share a common interest in the Titanic.
“To be here on the 105th anniversary is a real privilege, and we’re very grateful for the support we have received from Titanic Belfast and Visit Belfast in making it happen.”
Tim Husbands MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast said, “At Titanic Belfast, we not only tell the story of how the world’s most famous ship was built, designed and launched, but also the story of Belfast and the personal stories behind it. There are literally thousands of fascinating connections to Titanic and we are delighted and proud to be hosting the Titanic Gathering on the commemorative anniversary and to hear their personal stories.”
Jac Callan from Visit Belfast added, “As the birthplace of Titanic, and home to the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, Belfast draws thousands of international visitors each year who know the famous story and want to learn more about the ship and the city that built her, so we are pleased to be supporting the Titanic Gathering with our partners at Titanic Belfast.”
The group will also attend the annual commemorative service which takes place in the Titanic Memorial Garden in the grounds of Belfast’s City Hall on Saturday 15 April.
Titanic Belfast and its world-class galleries tell the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through to her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. The iconic attraction has now welcomed over 3.5 million visitors and was also recently named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in the prestigious World Travel Awards. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com or www.visitbelfast.com.
Photo captions
- (l-r) Jac Callan, Leisure Trade Sales Manager at Visit Belfast, Ian Paisley Junior MP, Titanic Gathering organiser Simon Medhurst and Tim Husbands MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast are pictured in Titanic Belfast at the Titanic Gathering, a two-day event for Titanic relatives, enthusiasts and experts from all over the world.
- Relatives of passengers and crew on the Titanic gathered in Belfast on Friday 14 April for a two-day event taking in some of Belfast’s Titanic attractions – including Titanic Belfast – also attending the annual memorial event at Belfast City Hall.