Fans of JK Rowling’s series of books will know that Harry Potter was born on July 31, 1980, making him 43 today (in theory).
To celebrate the birthday, here are 43 photos of fans from premieres, book release events and gatherings over the last couple of decades.
London has an important place in Potter-lore, with King’s Cross station the departure point each year for the new school intake. Back to Hogwarts day returns on September 1, with fans set to gather at the station.
The city is, of course, home to Diagon Alley, accessible to members of the Wizarding World, and other Potter landmarks.
In the real world, London has welcomed millions of Harry Potter fans since the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was released in 1997. Visitors can see Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, playing at the Palace Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, or visit filming locations of souvenir shops. The Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter is a short train ride away in Watford.
But here is a selection of photos taken primarily at premieres, launch events and celebrations of the world’s greatest young wizard, and his friends, teachers and adversaries.
1. 2011
Harry Potter fans wait in Trafalgar Square ahead of the world premiere of the final film adaptation in the series - Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part II - on July 7, 2011. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
2. 2011
A fan has her photograph taken with Emma Watson at the World Premiere of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - Part 2 at Trafalgar Square on July 7, 2011. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
3. 2007
Rupert Grint is hugged by fans as he arrives in London’s Leicester Square for the European Premiere of his latest film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on July 3 2007. (Photo by SHAUN CURRY/AFP via Getty Images)
4. 2022
Fans attend at the Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore world premiere at The Royal Festival Hall on March 29, 2022. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros.)