The first of September every year is celebrated as Back to Hogwarts Day by fans of the Harry Potter saga. That's the day each year that the students of Hogwarts School go to the mysterious Platform Nine-and-three-quarters at King's Cross Station in London to get on the Hogwarts Express steam train to school.
In this clip from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry is perplexed as to how to get onto this mysterious platform (which is only visible to wizards.) While trying to find out, he meets his future best friend, Ron Weasley, and his family.
The real King's Cross Station in London is a magnet for Harry Potter fans every day of the year, and especially on 1 September. While the station authorities haven't managed to create a magical extra platform, they evoke it by having a luggage trolley that appears to disappear into a wall, as the the Hogwarts students' trolleys do.
On 1 September, there are gatherings organised at King's Cross of course, but also around the world. There are quizzes, costumes and guest appearances from stars of the film.
In France, fans can sign up for free to participate in quizzes and games about the saga at the historic Bibliothèque Sainte Geneviève in Paris on 30 August. There will also be an online version coming soon.
Keep an eye on the Back to Hogwarts page for updated event information.
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Warner Bros
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