By Clea Kanning
CHRISTMAS just got even more exciting in Leeds as Harry Potter comes to town, celebrating 20 years of magic.
A whirlwind of magic hits the streets of Leeds this weekend as a month-long Harry Potter festival celebrates the 20th anniversary of the 1997 release of JK Rowling’s first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Harry Potter-themed concerts, family adventure trails, spell making classes, arts and crafts workshops as well as wand-making sessions are just some of the events taking place until January 29.
Rhian Isaac, a collection manager at Leeds City Council, said: “We are really excited, we kick off with a guest appearance from Dumbledore himself this weekend.
“But there are lots of things going on all month, weird and wonderful things like a herbology room full of plants inspired by the talking plants in Harry Potter.
“We have even received donations from the museum, we’ve received a narwhal tusk thought to once belong to unicorns, 16th century books on witchcraft and a petrified handbag.”
One Harry Potter fan, William Porteus, 22, from Leeds said: “I will definitely attending as much of the Harry Potter Festival as possible, yeah I think it’s a great idea.
“I think it’s great that a lot of the events are free because I know a lot of the kids growing up with Harry potter will be in university now, and students don’t have too much money.
“But also families will appreciate it, it’s an affordable day out for them.”