* Press release
Today, on Harry Potter’s birthday, the Wizarding World announces the return of the inaugural Back to Hogwarts celebrations, alongside a search for the UK’s most enthusiastic Harry Potter fan to lead the Hogwarts Express’ departure countdown.
The Harry Potter books, written by J.K. Rowling have had a huge impact on fans around the globe, having sold over 600 million copies worldwide, been distributed in more than 200 territories and translated into over 85 languages since they were first published by Bloomsbury and Scholastic 25 years ago.
Having begun as an organic fan celebration, each year on 1st September, Back to Hogwarts is recognised as one of the biggest days in any Harry Potter fan’s calendar – marking the moment when wizards and witches board the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾ at 11.00am for a year of magical adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Dressed in their finest cosplay, thousands of fans from all over the world make the trip to London’s King’s Cross station each year with even more coming together online to raise their wands for the countdown and share their love of the stories.
In honour of the special place it holds in the hearts and minds of fans, the Wizarding World is delighted to announce that wizards, witches and Muggles of all ages are invited to once again unite on Back to Hogwarts Day to see the train to Hogsmeade light up the departure board at 11.00am in celebration of this iconic moment.
Bringing Gryffindors, Slytherins, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs together, this year the spellbinding celebrations are bigger than ever with the launch of a UK competition for one lucky fan aged between five and seventeen years old to get the chance to travel to King’s Cross station and help host the iconic countdown on the station concourse on 1st September. The competition is now live and young wizards and witches wishing to enter can submit a video (via their parent or guardian) of their best countdown online by 11.59pm on 7th August.
The magic doesn’t stop there! This lucky winner, plus a parent or guardian will get the chance to pack their trunks once again to come back to the capital with a complete package of Harry Potter experiences. The ultimate Harry Potter London Breaks Experience gives this fan the opportunity to discover the filmmaking magic of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and see the critically acclaimed stage production, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. To top it off, the winner will receive an incredible merchandise bundle from the Harry Potter Shop. Full details on prize entry can be found here.
In addition to the countdown, from 1st September until 3rd September an exciting array of magical experiences awaits at King’s Cross station as fans will get the chance to sip on Butterbeer, play Hogwarts Legacy on PlayStation®5 courtesy of Warner Bros. Games, and enjoy LEGO® Harry Potter giveaways and photo opportunities. Additionally, in celebration of the publication of The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac, fans will also be able to spin Bloomsbury’s giant wand spinner and find out whose wand they are best suited to, with free gifts up for grabs for those taking part.
The festivities aren’t contained to the station… this year, why not relive the movie magic on the big screen? A host of theatres in different locations all over the world will be putting on special Harry Potter screenings over the Back to Hogwarts window. In the UK, Everyman will screen all eight films at Everyman Kings Cross and select Harry Potter movies at their cinemas nationwide. ODEON will present Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets nationwide over the course of the weekend. US fans can get their fix at Cinemark where more than 250 theatres will be showing an exclusive re-release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Parts 1&2. Down Under? You can join in the fun at 15 locations of Village Cinemas across Victoria, Australia as they host screenings of the final two Deathly Hallows films in the iconic series. Further theatres and locations will be announced soon, including screenings in Barcelona and Madrid.
Pam Lifford, President, Global Brands, Franchises and Experiences, at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “Back to Hogwarts is a day cherished by Harry Potter fans of all ages, from all over the world. Just like their passion for the magic of the stories, their celebrations grow every year! 2023 is set to be a year like no other – we will see fan world record attempts in Germany, high octane quiz competitions in France and of course, the UK’s search to find the perfect person to join that amazing countdown. We are so proud to offer new and exciting ways to bring fans together and give them new ways to celebrate the Harry Potter magic – there’s nothing quite like Back To Hogwarts!”
Fans can check out Wizarding World Digital at www.wizardingworld.com for all the Back to Hogwarts updates, including the latest UK activity at King’s Cross station and info on exciting events and activities taking place in Italy, Germany, France, Japan, China and more. Look out for news too on how to get involved with Harry Potter Watch Parties (for example MAX US subscribers will be able to join and watch-along on 1st September) and when to tune into the Back to Hogwarts Digital Showcase from wherever you are.
Join the global community of millions of members following the fun on social and don’t forget to sign up to the Harry Potter Fan Club!
Website: www.wizardingworld.
Instagram: @wizardingworld https://www.
Hashtag: #BacktoHogwarts
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