When we were offered the opportunity to bring the All Points: North project to the Titanic Pumphouse for filming, it was one we could not pass up. Such an important part of Belfast’s industrial heritage, it is without doubt one of Belfast’s most glorious historic backdrops – and a visually stunning place to showcase artists.
The Pump House was originally built for the Alexandra Graving Dock, which opened in 1889 and was extended in its original design – allowing it to service both the Alexandra Dock and the Thompson Dock (where the SS Titanic was built) when the latter opened in 1911.
The majority of the now-listed building and its impressive machinery remains in its original condition, standing as a stunning and well-preserved example of large scale Victorian/Edwardian engineering. The former boiler room has been converted into a café and visitor centre for HMS Caroline, which is currently open to the public at nearby Alexandra Dock.
Inviting Belfast electronic duo Protocol to perform a techno set among the industrial pumps of the Titanic Pumphouse was a no-brainer for the All Points: North team. The new lease owners of the venue – Titanic Whiskey – very kindly gave us access to the venue for the day, which allowed us the chance to film our virtual launch event for the project.
The gift of that extra time allowed us to film additional performances, in different parts of the building, by acoustic songwriter Ciara O’Neill and electronic producer HY:LY.
