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.
13. 2007
The telltale lightning bolt of a Harry Potter fan from Fircroft Primary School, receiving Harry Potter stamps at Trafalgar Square Post Office on July 17 2007. (Photo credit should read BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
14. 2003
Fans queue outside Waterstones, waiting for the launch of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on June 20, 2003. (Photo by Graeme Robertson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
15. 2003
A passenger on the London underground reads Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix on June 23, 2003. (Photo by Bruno Vincent/Getty Images) | Getty Images
16. 2003
JK Rowling and actor Stephen Fry rehearsing prior to a reading of Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix at the Royal Albert Hall on June 26, 2003. (Photo by Justin Williams via Getty Images) | Getty Images