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London – The city has gone potty for Harry Potter. London’s famed Trafalgar Square has been transformed into a massive camping site as thousands upon thousands of Harry Potter fans, both young and old, descended on the area to bear witness to the world premiere of the final movie in the wizarding film franchise.
As many as 5 000 adoring fans are already camped inside the tightly secured area, while at least 5 000 more form a snaking queue from Trafalgar all the way to Leicester Square, hoping to be granted one of the precious red wristbands which will give them access and unlimited re-entry to the cordoned off area. Those at the front of the queue had camped in the square since June 27 for the premiere happening on Thursday.
WATCH: Final Harry Potter trailer lands
Sophia, 18, travelled all the way from Sweden with her best friend Anna (also 18) to witness the special event up close. “I’m a great fan of Harry Potter, it’s been a huge part of my childhood. So I figured since this is the last premiere ever then I should be here,” said Sophia from her small camping spot in the queue.
Many of the awaiting fans were dressed in the colours of Gryffindor, the house to which characters Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger belong at Hogwarts school of magic. Most had brought along suitcases of supplies for the long wait, while others were equipped with sleeping bags, board games and fold-out tents.
Though it’s been sunny and warm in London this week, the infamous London rain came pouring down into the square at about 13:00 on Wednesday, and while there were yelps and excited screams in the crowd, no-one moved from their spot in the line. More rain is forecast for the day of the premiere.
REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
The premiere, the largest of its kind to be hosted in the city, is so big that it will be held at two venues – Trafalgar, where the film’s stars will walk down the red carpet and meet the fans and press, and Leicester Square Odeon where the film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, will be screened to an exclusive audience.
The cast, including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Tom Felton are expected to attend. Radcliffe, who plays Harry in the films, flew in from New York on Wednesday where he stars on Broadway in the acclaimed revival of the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
A huge screen has been erected at Trafalgar Square where the red carpet action will be beamed to thousands around the square. A police officer at the scene said that only 8 000 wristbands have been allocated for the event and many fans still queuing will have to be turned away. More are expected to descend on the square over the next 24 hours as the countdown to the world premiere continues.
'End of an era'
Rhys, 18, who travelled from Cardiff in Wales for the event, said that he was hoping that the premiere would be a celebration for all the fans as they said goodbye to the beloved characters in the final film. “I want to celebrate the end of an era, if you can call it that. So I just want us to enjoy ourselves and see the cast in real life. It’s going to be a very special moment,” said Ryhs, who was accompanied by two friends.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 will be screened in 3D at selected cinemas and opens worldwide (including South Africa) on Friday July 15.
Bookings for screenings have already opened at Nu Metro and Ster Kinekor cinemas.
As many as 5 000 adoring fans are already camped inside the tightly secured area, while at least 5 000 more form a snaking queue from Trafalgar all the way to Leicester Square, hoping to be granted one of the precious red wristbands which will give them access and unlimited re-entry to the cordoned off area. Those at the front of the queue had camped in the square since June 27 for the premiere happening on Thursday.
WATCH: Final Harry Potter trailer lands
Sophia, 18, travelled all the way from Sweden with her best friend Anna (also 18) to witness the special event up close. “I’m a great fan of Harry Potter, it’s been a huge part of my childhood. So I figured since this is the last premiere ever then I should be here,” said Sophia from her small camping spot in the queue.
Many of the awaiting fans were dressed in the colours of Gryffindor, the house to which characters Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger belong at Hogwarts school of magic. Most had brought along suitcases of supplies for the long wait, while others were equipped with sleeping bags, board games and fold-out tents.
Though it’s been sunny and warm in London this week, the infamous London rain came pouring down into the square at about 13:00 on Wednesday, and while there were yelps and excited screams in the crowd, no-one moved from their spot in the line. More rain is forecast for the day of the premiere.
REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
The premiere, the largest of its kind to be hosted in the city, is so big that it will be held at two venues – Trafalgar, where the film’s stars will walk down the red carpet and meet the fans and press, and Leicester Square Odeon where the film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, will be screened to an exclusive audience.
The cast, including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Tom Felton are expected to attend. Radcliffe, who plays Harry in the films, flew in from New York on Wednesday where he stars on Broadway in the acclaimed revival of the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
A huge screen has been erected at Trafalgar Square where the red carpet action will be beamed to thousands around the square. A police officer at the scene said that only 8 000 wristbands have been allocated for the event and many fans still queuing will have to be turned away. More are expected to descend on the square over the next 24 hours as the countdown to the world premiere continues.
'End of an era'
Rhys, 18, who travelled from Cardiff in Wales for the event, said that he was hoping that the premiere would be a celebration for all the fans as they said goodbye to the beloved characters in the final film. “I want to celebrate the end of an era, if you can call it that. So I just want us to enjoy ourselves and see the cast in real life. It’s going to be a very special moment,” said Ryhs, who was accompanied by two friends.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 will be screened in 3D at selected cinemas and opens worldwide (including South Africa) on Friday July 15.
Bookings for screenings have already opened at Nu Metro and Ster Kinekor cinemas.
