Harry Potter fans urged to stay away from King’s Cross on 1 September
Written by News on 20/08/2020
Harry Potter fans are being asked not to gather at King’s Cross station on 1 September for the annual Back To Hogwarts celebration.
Every year, hoards of Potterheads descend on the station, heading for the fictional Platform 9 3/4.
As tradition among fans goes, at 11am they raise their wands to mark the departure of the Hogwarts Express – the train that takes young wizards and witches to their school of magic.
But this year, coronavirus restrictions have put a dampener on proceedings, so a special live-streamed event will be held instead.
It will feature stars of the films such as James and Oliver Phelps, Jason Isaacs and Bonnie Wright.
James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the films, said he hoped enthusiasts would “keep the celebrations virtual”.
He said: “2020 has definitely been a strange year and it’s really important that we all do everything we can to keep safe, including staying home.”
The event will feature trivia games and an appearance from the cast of the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Last year, there was a dance performance by its cast members at the station.
Fans can take photographs of themselves in costume and submit them for a digital mosaic of the “Back to Hogwarts Class of 2020”, which will grow throughout the day.
The pictures will also be projected at King’s Cross so enthusiasts can have a virtual presence there.
Oliver Phelps, who played George Weasley, said “getting the chance to share this special day with people all over the world” would be “brilliant”.
“I’m really looking forward to everything this digital Back to Hogwarts has in store,” he said, “and it’s a bonus that we can all do it from the sofa!”
Donations during the event will support JK Rowling‘s Lumos charity, which works to prevent children from being admitted to orphanages and institutions.
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Some fans expressed criticism of the event given the recent controversy over tweets by Rowling described as “transphobic” by transgender charity Mermaid.
The live-stream will take place from 10.30am to 11.30am.
(c) Sky News 2020: Harry Potter fans urged to stay away from King’s Cross on 1 September
