Thousands attend Belfast events.
Thousands of people will attend Titanic commemoration events in Northern
Ireland this weekend on the centenary of the liner's sinking.
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| The craftsmen of the replica Titanic stair case urge everyone to come and see their work. |
It took around 1,500 man-hours to finish the four-tonne staircase, which is 23ft
high and 24ft in width. It was moulded from red oak — the same material used
to build Titanic’s grand staircase — which was specially imported from North America
for the project.
Pius Diamond who built the stairway said it was one of the most interesting projects he
has worked on. “I would like it to be open to all. I would like the public to see it as much as
possible,”
high and 24ft in width. It was moulded from red oak — the same material used
to build Titanic’s grand staircase — which was specially imported from North America
for the project.
Pius Diamond who built the stairway said it was one of the most interesting projects he
has worked on. “I would like it to be open to all. I would like the public to see it as much as
possible,”
 |
| Stars perform at the Titanic Sounds Festival. |
Thousands of music lovers packed the docks where the Titanic was built for a star-studded pop
concert ahead of the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking.
Chart toppers Olly Murs and Pixie Lott entertained an estimated 16,000 who braved the cold in
Belfast for the spectacular open-air gig.
Staged in front of the new multi-million-pound visitor attraction dedicated to the doomed liner, the
MTV Titanic Sounds festival also saw performances from artists Sean Paul, Rizzle Kicks and Katy B.
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major event 101 years ago, when thousands congregated to see the Titanic launched into the water for the
first time.
first time.
Belfast's most famous export sank a year later after striking an iceberg on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic.
The Titanic Sounds gig is among a series of high profile events being staged in the city to mark the enduring legacy of the ship.
While the mood was upbeat tonight, a more sombre tone will be set over the weekend as Belfast
commemorates the anniversary of the disaster that claimed more than 1,500 lives.
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| New Titanic Building open to visitors |
Staged in collaboration with Belfast City Council and Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the gig was
filmed and will be broadcast across 153 territories around the world as part of MTV's World Stage
series.
