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.
9. 2011
Fans Aaron Lewis and Alex Moustakakis in the queue for the film premiere of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - Part 2 on July 5, 2011. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
10. 2007
Fans dressed up as characters in anticipation of the release of the of the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, at Waterstones on July 20, 2007. (Photo by Stuart Wilson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
11. 2003
Fans buy copies of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on June 21, 2003, at London’s King’s Cross rail station. (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
12. 2007
Harry Potter fans queue outside a bookshop in central London on July 20 2007, as they await the release of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows. (Photo by BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images