Harry Potter celebrates 25 years

Muggles around the world are this year celebrating the silver anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Since hitting the shelves, the bestselling book – the first of the seven-part Harry Potter series – has been translated into 73 languages and sold more than 120 million copies.

Sparking an eight-part feature film franchise that grossed over £63billion, as well as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, Florida, writer JK Rowling has earned an estimated nearly £1billion – a true rags-toriches tale, which mirror’s Harry’s own rise from the cupboard under the stairs.

For those who are fascinated by the artful making of the movies, The Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London, gives fans the chance to get up close to the sets and discover the magic behind its special effects.

Visitors can also explore the original Great Hall, step into the Forbidden Forest and discover Gringotts Wizarding Bank all before marvelling at the breath-taking miniature scale model of Hogwarts castle.

Brand-new for 2022, the tour has opened the glass doors of Professor Sprout’s greenhouse for the first time.

A fan-favourite set from the series, where students were taught their herbology lessons with Professor Pomona Sprout, it has been built by the original Harry Potter filmmakers, and visitors are invited to step inside and pull out a potted mandrake as part of an interactive display.

Based on the scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, visitors to the Hertfordshire attraction will recognise the venomous tentacula hanging from the ceiling.

As part of the feature, visitors are also now welcomed into the Great Hall to the Frog Choir scene as seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which includes the costume of conductor of the choir Professor Flitwick.

Other new additions are the fountain from the Hogwarts’ courtyard and a 1:3 scale-version of the Weasleys’ Burrow.

wbstudiotour.co.uk

Get a triple taste of terror at the London Dungeon’s summer show. Body Snatchers tells the twisted tale of the 1830s’ London Burkers,

three men who stole bodies to sell to hospitals for dissection. On July 23-September 4. Dungeon tickets from £31 adult/£24 child. thedungeons.

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