Italian
Back to Hogwarts: A magical return with a new twist
The annual “Harry Potter” fan event, Back to Hogwarts, is set to return this year with a slightly new format. While in-person events will be taking place in select locations, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is discouraging fans from traveling to Kings Cross train station in London, where previous celebrations have taken place.
A magical tradition
Taking place on September 1st, the day Hogwarts pupils traditionally take the train from London to school, the event began as an ad-hoc gathering of fans each year in London. It has since morphed into an annual extravaganza now backed by WBD. Last year’s event saw thousands of fans, many in costumes and carrying wands, descend on Kings Cross, causing issues for passengers trying to catch their trains.
WBD has stressed that there will be no event, departure board, or countdown at the station this year. Instead, fans in the U.K. are directed to celebrate via the official “Harry Potter” YouTube channel from 11 am onwards.
A global celebration
In New York, however, there will be a Back to Hogwarts pop-up in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal between August 30 and September 1, with various themed activities culminating in a ticketed countdown on the final day.
To celebrate Back to Hogwarts, the eight “Harry Potter” films will also return to theaters across the world for a limited time between now and September 1 (check local listings). On September 1, fans will be able to access two new “Harry Potter”-themed lenses on Snapchat. In select cities across the world, fans will be able to see what the Hogwarts Express looks like against five iconic landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Copacabana Fort, The National Gallery, Grand Central Terminal, and the Hachiko Statue, from August 26 to September 9.
Fans can also expect a slew of special events, including digital activities, in-person events, and watch-alongs. “Harry Potter” locations, including the three Warner Bros. Studio Tours, the Wizarding World theme parks, and various traveling experiences, will host special “celebratory moments.” The Lego Company will also be getting in on the action at retail stores and on Lego.com.
Events around the world
U.K.
- “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s” movement director Tash Holway will host a Wand Dance Workshop (see Cursed Child website for details).
- House of MinaLima is giving away special button badges (while supplies last) on September 1, with other surprises in store.
- WBD is organizing a variety of competitions, including a trip to the U.K. Studio Tour and other goodies. See wizardingworld.com for more info.
U.S.
- A free Hogwarts pop-up is taking place at Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
- On September 1, there will also be a live hosted 11 am countdown moment, which fans will need a free ticket to attend. Further details on how to register interest will be announced soon.
Europe
- In France, a special Quidditch-themed event is taking place at Parvis de la Part-Dieu in Lyon on August 31.
- In Germany, a special fan event will be held outside the Theatre at Hamburg’s Großmarkt, the German home of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” on September 1. Fans are also encouraged to head to the “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” in Munich and Wizarding World by Thalia store.
- In Italy, there will be an 11 am countdown and other exciting surprises at the Galleria Alberto Sordi in Rome on September 1.
- In Spain, there will be a special event in Madrid between August 30 and September 1, including photo opportunities and surprises (exact location TBC).
Asia
- In China, fans are invited to head to Changsha for a Back to Hogwarts celebration, where there is a host of activities in store from August 30 to September 1, including photo opportunities, artwork displays, and stalls selling Harry Potter merchandise.
- In Macau, fans can celebrate Back to Hogwarts at “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” and explore various Hogwarts-inspired galleries.
- In Japan, on September 1, lucky fans can join a special 11 am countdown at Platform 9 ¾ in Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter.
Online
- Fans can tune in to the official Harry Potter YouTube channel on September 1 at 10:30 am BST / 05:30 am ET for the annual Showcase of news on the year ahead, including updates from 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.
A magical journey continues
The Back to Hogwarts event is a testament to the enduring magic of the Harry Potter series. It brings together fans from all over the world, allowing them to celebrate their love for the wizarding world in unique and creative ways. Whether attending an in-person event or tuning in online, fans can look forward to a magical experience that honors the spirit of Hogwarts and the adventures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The magic of Harry Potter continues to enchant and inspire, reminding us that the journey to Hogwarts is one that never truly ends.
