Rowling and fans mark anniversary

Wizards and witches of all ages around the world were bringing their wands out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the day J.K. Rowling first introduced the boy who lived, Harry Potter.

Monday marked two decades since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in 1997.

Since then, it has spawned six more bestselling books and eight blockbuster movies. It continues to expand with a sellout stage play and five more spinoff movies.

Rowling took to Twitter on Monday to thank the fans who embraced the world she created.

“20 years ago today a world that I had lived in alone was suddenly open to others. It’s been wonderful. Thank you.”

Ahead of the 20th anniversary, Rowling also released some new details about the Potter family. She explained on her website Pottermore that Harry was named after his great-grandfather Henry, who was left out of the 28 British families of pure magic blood because of his outspoken support of humans or muggles.

Bloomsbury Books, publisher of the series in the U.K., released a video showing the 20 most memorable moments in the first book as voted by the fans. Bloomsbury Books also plans to release four new editions of the book, one for each house at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, in honour of the anniversary.

Social media sites marked the occasion with special hashtags and Easter eggs. On Facebook, if you typed the four Hogwarts Houses — Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff — in a post or a comment, an animated wand appeared when users clicked the names.

Meanwhile, 676 kids dressed in Hogwarts uniforms in the U.K. set a record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Harry Potter.