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.
5. 2011
Fans ready for the the world premiere of the final film adaptation in the Harry Potter series on July 7, 2011, in Trafalgar Square. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
6. 2020
Harry Potter fan Joey Bruce celebrates during the unveiling of the statue at Leicester Square on September 30, 2020. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images,) | Getty Images,
7. 2016
Harry Potter fans, Fran Plagge and Lottie were first and second to receive the new Harry Potter script book inside Waterstones in Piccadilly on July 30, 2016, during the midnight party celebrating the publication of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
8. 2016
Children dressed as characters from the Harry Potter books wait in the queue outside Waterstones Piccadilly on July 30, 2016, ahead of the midnight party to celebrate the publication of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images