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.
21. 2001
Two fans outside the Odeon cinema at Leicester Square, ready for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on November 16 2001. (Photo by Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
22. 2001
Harry Potter fans are entertained as they queue up outside the Odeon cinema at Leicester Square on November 16 2001. Thousands flocked to the cinema for the first day of the much anticipated film based on J.K. Rowling’s books. (Photo by Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
23. 2005
Awaiting copies of Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, at Waterstones in Oxford Street on July 15, 2005. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) | Getty Images
24. 2005
Harry Potter fans awaiting copies of Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, at Waterstones in Oxford Street on July 15, 2005. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) | Getty Images