Harry Potter fans from all over the world will descend on King's Cross station on 1 September, for the annual event known as Back to Hogwarts Day.
It began as a small fan gathering, marking the day when young witches and wizards board the Hogwarts Express back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the start of a new school year. But in recent years, the event has ballooned, with thousands of international Harry Potter fans — many in costume — turning up to celebrate the event.
Wizarding World, the official Harry Potter fan club, runs special events and activities, both at the station and online, to mark the occasion. This year, events run from 1-3 September, including a chance to try Butterbeer, play Hogwarts Legacy on PlayStation 5 courtesy of Warner Bros Games, and enjoy LEGO Harry Potter giveaways and photo opportunities.
The train to Hogsmeade is announced, and shows up on the departure board at 11am on 1 September, the date and time the Hogwarts Express departs from platform 9 ¾, followed by a rendition of the Harry Potter theme tune — officially called Hedwig's Theme — by composer John Williams. This year, one lucky competition winner will be leading Harry Potter fans in the countdown. Here's a look at the countdown at Back to Hogwarts Day 2022:
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Nearby, Everyman King's Cross cinema screens all eight Harry Potter films back to back, beginning at 12.30pm on 1 September, running until the early hours of 2 September. Nationwide, Odeon cinemas are screening Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets over the first weekend in September, 22 years after the former was first released.
Back to Hogwarts 2023 takes place at King's Cross station on 1 September. It's free, no ticket required — though costumes are encouraged! If you can't make it in person, follow Wizarding World on social media for live streams and regular updates.
