Back To Hogwarts Day 2024 celebrations at King's Cross cancelled - where to celebrate in London instead

Harry Potter fans wanting to celebrate the start of a new wizarding school year at Hogwarts this weekend can still have fun in the capital despite annual King’s Cross festivities not going ahead.

Earlier this summer it was sadly confirmed that King’s Cross would not be hosting the iconic Back To Hogwarts celebrations this September 1.

Over the years many fans have flocked to the London train station on the day as its Platform 9 ¾ was where young wizards and witches board the Hogwarts Express for the start of a new school year in the Harry Potter movies.

As part of the celebrations each year Potterheads would cheer as a train to Hogsmeade would briefly appear on the station’s departure board at 11am.

However a statement on Wizarding World revealed there would not be any festivities held at the station this year. It began: “Come 1st September, fans are strongly discouraged from travelling to London King’s Cross as there will be no event, departure board or countdown at the station.”

The message went on to advise fans that there would instead be a recorded programme for the occasion on the official Harry Potter YouTube channel.

But, London Harry Potter fans can still experience the Back To Hogwarts excitement in a few events happening across the city this weekend.

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Build a your own Hogwarts Express at a Lego store

The classic brick toy brand will be welcoming Harry Potter fans on Saturday (August 31) and Sunday (September 1) to build their own Hogwarts Express train which they can also take home. The event will be held across Lego’s London and UK stores while stocks last. More information is available on Lego’s website.

Watch Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban at a Vue cinema

Vue cinemas in Westfield Stratford and White City will both have screenings of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban on Saturday (August 31). More information is available on Vue’s website.

Go on a Harry Potter walking tour

London is featured across the franchise with some of its locations also inspiring locations in the magical world. Hosted by a local they’ll show you around the city through a wizarding lens and even test your Harry Potter knowledge. More information is available on Eventbrite.