Harry Potter fans braced for world premiere
Ardent fans have travelled from around the world to camp out overnight in rain-soaked Trafalgar Square ahead of Thursday’s world premiere of the final film in the Harry Potter series.
For the millions of people spellbound by the magic of Harry Potter, Thursday night marks the end of an era.
The last film in the hugely successful series gets its world premiere in central London.
Thousands have braved heavy rain to camp out overnight in Trafalgar Square, with fans arriving from as far afield as Canada, Sweden and Norway ahead of the first screening of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part Two.
There was a mix of excitement and sadness among the enthusiasts, many of whom have grown up with the characters and see the film as the end of their childhood.
Karianne Hilland, 16, from Bergen in Norway, said: “It’s kind of a life experience, the last Harry Potter movie, and it’s so exciting.”
Her friend Idun Anduik, also 16 and from Bergen, clutched a copy of one of JK Rowling’s novels as she explained their journey: “We got to London at 7pm last night after a lay-over.
I want to be here to experience it because it has been a part of our childhood. Idun Anduik, Harry Potter fan
“I have loved Harry Potter since the first book came out and it’s the end of an era. I want to be here to experience it because it has been a part of our childhood.”
Marie Ones, 16, also from Bergen, said: “It’s really sad. I wish there were more books and more movies.”
Among the stars they are expecting to see are the three main members of the cast, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, along with dozens of other cast members including Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton and Alan Rickman.
‘Hermione’s been like my sister’
Watson said playing Harry’s sidekick Hermione Granger had changed her life.
“Hermione’s been like my sister. She feels so real to me,” the 22-year-old actress admitted.
“I will miss being her. That is devastating. She has pushed me and made me a better person.”
But Ralph Fiennes has revealed he could not wait to take off Lord Voldemort’s heavy robes.
The Oscar-nominated actor said: “It was an irritating costume to wear – it was too long and sometimes I would trip over.”
Fan Leonard Potgieter, 38, from Ipswich, arrived at 11pm yesterday. He said: “I wanted to experience the atmosphere and hopefully meet some of the celebrities.
“It’s part of British heritage and I wanted to be involved in it.”
It is not the first time that bad weather has dampened a Harry Potter premiere, but actors James and Oliver Phelps who play Fred and George Weasley, say they wont be caught out this year as they’ll be sporting made-to-measure suits made of water-resistant cloth.