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.
29. 2005
Hundreds of fans clamour for autographs of the stars the world premier of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at the Odeon Leicester Square on November 6 2005. (Photo by ANDREW STUART/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
30. 2007
Harry Potter fans camping outside a bookshop in central London on July 19 2007, as they await the release of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows. (Photo credit should read Leon Neal/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
31. 2007
Harry Potter fans Stephanie (right) and Roy, from the Netherlands, queue outside Waterstones in Piccadilly awaiting the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on July 19, 2007. (Photo by Rosie Greenway/Getty Images) | Getty Images
32. 2007
Fans walking to the Natural History Museum to meet JK Rowling at a reading and signing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on July 20, 2007. (Photo by Cate Gillon/Getty Images) | Getty Images