HARRY POTTER FANS: ALL ABOARD THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS!
Physical and digital Hogwarts Back to School celebrations are confirmed in cities around the world, including New York , Madrid , Rome , Rio de Janeiro , Hamburg, Paris , London, Tokyo , and more
LONDON , July 23, 2024 / — Hogwarts Day (1 September ) is one of the most important events in the wizarding calendar, marking the day students return to the magical school for a new year of adventure. Today is a day of global celebration, so grab your copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , get out your robes, stock up on chocolate frogs and perfect your wand swing … because it’s almost time for Hogwarts Day!
CULT MOVIES RETURN TO SCREENS AROUND THE WORLD
With over $7.7 billion in theatrical revenue, Harry Potter is one of the most popular series of all time. In celebration of Hogwarts Back to School, theaters around the world will host special screenings of the iconic films between now and September 1. Visit www.wizardingworld.com and check local listings for details.
BACK TO HOGWARTS X SNAPCHAT
On September 1 , Snapchatters around the world will be able to get two new Hogwarts Back to School Lenses inspired by the iconic Sorting Hat and Harry Potter : Quidditch Champions , exclusively through the app.
From August 26 to September 9, fans in London, Paris , Rio de Janeiro , New York and Tokyo will be able to experience the Hogwarts Express against the backdrop of five of the world’s most iconic landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Fort Copacabana, the National Gallery, Grand Central Terminal and the Hachikō Statue. Scan and watch the iconic train come to life on screen.
GLOBAL FAN CELEBRATIONS
Harry Potter has a unique fan community – expect digital activities, physical events, viewings and moments of celebration at Harry Potter destinations around the world, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Destinations & Experiences, all three Warner Bros. Studio Tours and Harry Potter Universe experiences . Fans can also take part in Harry Potter activities and discover the latest LEGO Harry Potter range at LEGO stores and on LEGO.com. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting activities planned…
UNITED KINGDOM
As the birthplace of Harry Potter, the UK has a Hogwarts Back to School festivities that have grown in popularity as more fans join the community. That’s why the celebrations are adapting so that as many fans as possible can take part in the magic.
UK and Irish fans are invited to enter a competition today to win the ultimate Hogwarts Back to School experience! One lucky winner and their family will be treated to an exclusive celebratory weekend, including a personalised Hogwarts House Pack and a VIP event in the Great Hall at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter on 31st August, followed by a stay at the luxurious Grove Hotel. For more information on how to enter and full terms and conditions, please visit www.wizardingworld.com .
Wizarding Wednesdays returns on July 31 with amazing prizes to be won, including tickets to the award-winning Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London, a personalized Hogwarts House gift trunk, a copy of the upcoming Warner Bros. Harry Potter : Quidditch Champions game and more.
On 1st September , fans are strongly advised not to travel to Kings Cross, as there will be no event, departure board or countdown at the station. Instead, everyone is invited to join the proud Hufflepuff and Sam Thompson in a specially recorded online programme to celebrate Hogwarts Day! Head over to the official Harry Potter YouTube channel to watch the programme from 11:00 BST / 06:00 ET.
Wizards and witches have the opportunity to take part in a special wand dancing workshop, hosted by Tash Holway , resident movement director for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child . Visit the Cursed Child website for details on how to enter and be in with a chance to enter the competition.
House of MinaLima is also inviting fans to participate in a special event on September 1st , where they can win a limited-edition Hogwarts Back to School 2024 pin (while supplies last), and other surprises. Visit minalima.com/whats-on for more information.
UNITED STATES
For the first time ever, American fans are invited to a special Hogwarts Back to School pop-up, hosted in the magnificent Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in New York City .
The event is free and will be open daily from August 30th to September 1st . Expect magical shows, LEGO building activities, an interactive Harry Potter : Quidditch Champions experience , Scholastic, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and even the chance to toast with the most delectable of wizarding beverages… Butterbeer, available courtesy of the iconic store, Harry Potter New York.
On September 1st , a live countdown will also be held at 11:00 a.m. Fans will need to purchase a free ticket to attend; more information on how to register will be announced soon.
EUROPE
In France , a special Quidditch-themed event will take place at the Parvis de la Part-Dieu in Lyon on August 31 and September 1. Fans will be able to improve their Quidditch skills, take Hogwarts-themed photos, participate in games, win prizes and much more.
In Germany , on September 1st, a special fan event will be held in front of Hamburg’s Großmarkt Theater, the German filming location for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Expect an exciting panel discussion, a live countdown, and guest appearances. Munich fans can also visit the Harry Potter : The Exhibition website and The Wizarding World by Thalia bookstore to celebrate.
In Italy , the iconic Galleria Alberto Sordi in Rome will host a fan gathering on September 1 , where budding witches and wizards can enjoy a live countdown at 11:00 a.m., exclusive Harry Potter-themed photoshoots and activities for the whole family.
In Spain , fans are invited to a special event in Madrid , at a location to be revealed soon, which will take place between August 30 and September 1. The festivities include photoshoots and surprises throughout the day!
ASIA
In China , fans are invited to travel to Changsha for a Hogwarts Back to School celebration where many activities will be held from August 30 to September 1 , including photoshoots, exhibitions and Harry Potter merchandise booths .
In Macau , fans can celebrate Back to Hogwarts at the Harry Potter : The Exhibition site and explore the various Hogwarts-inspired galleries.
In Japan on September 1, fans can take part in a special countdown at 11:00 a.m. on Platform 9 ¾ of Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter ! On the day, Universal Studios Japan guests should also be ready to raise their wands in celebration, as a special event will be held in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to mark the moment for Event Pass holders.
ONLINE
Hogwarts Back to School wouldn’t be complete without a few “start of term announcements.” Fans are invited to tune in to the official Harry Potter YouTube channel at 10:30 BST / 05:30 ET for a preview of what’s in store for them throughout the year ahead. Warner Bros. Games, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Destinations & Experiences, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter , and Harry Potter publishers Scholastic, Pottermore and Bloomsbury are expected to make more announcements in the near future.
Follow all the latest Hogwarts Back to School news at www.wizardingworld.com , find out which Hogwarts house you really belong in, and sign up for the Harry Potter Fan Club.
