The full programme to mark the centenary of the sinking of the Lusitania in Cobh, County Cork this May including a visit from Irish President Michael D. Higgins.

Events will begin at noon on May 7 with a service at the Old Church Cemetery in Cobh where some of the liner's victims are buried. 

Cunard, the company who owned the Lusitania, will send the modern Queen Victoria cruise ship on a special commemorative voyage with 2,300 passengers on board and will lay a wreath at the spot where the Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. 

Another cruise ship on a special commemorative trip will make its way from New York to Southampton, stopping off at a nearby port to take part in the event.

A number of events will take place throughout the day including the release of 1,201 balloons by schoolchildren, each one carrying the name of a victim from the Lusitania.

Irish President Michal D. Higgins will attend the commemorations accompanied by British, German and American ambassadors, as well as representatives of the Cunard Cruise Line, to lay wreaths at the Lusitania monument.

A number of lectures and musical performances and events will also take place in the town during the day, complimenting the series of lectures and film screenings taking place across the area to mark the centenary.

Click here for full details of the programme to mark the sinking of the Lusitania.

Creative Centenaries is currently in the production of a comic book resource that will recall some of the first-hand experiences of those on board. Check back for more details on the comic's progress soon.