Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s celebrations.
Harry Potter Book Night has been happening since 2014
Every February, Harry Potter fans congregate together to celebrate the iconic series. After all, the series is famed for reinvigorating the 90s generation’s love of books in general – a tradition that is still continuing 20 years later for a new readership. Harry Potter Book Night has been an annual celebration for five years now, founded by UK Harry Potter publishers Bloomsbury in 2014. And ever since, more and more fans all over the world are getting involved.
Every year has a new theme
The Wizarding World is so rich and bountiful that every year, Harry Potter Book Night celebrates a different part of it. This year, the theme is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. So, you could deck out your local bookshop with ‘floating’ candles and suits of armour, for example. Or perhaps emulate a Great Hall feast. Or dress up as a ghost and try and spook people. If you wanted to properly channel your inner Hermione, you could even host your own O.W.L. exams! It’s certainly open to interpretation.
You can get your own Harry Potter Book Night kits
Every year, Bloomsbury creates a special events kit with everything from tips on decorating your event space to magical games and spellbinding activities - everything you need to ensure your evening is a roaring success. Visit the Bloomsbury website for more details on how to download your own – or if you’re US-based, Scholastic have their own kit too!
We’re just three days away from #HarryPotterBookNight! Check your local bookstore or library for a celebration, or get ready to host your own event by downloading our free event kit here: https://t.co/5NK6jwsvkK pic.twitter.com/sWAIGpqV4B
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) February 4, 2019
You can take part in all sorts of ways
The tradition began with bookshops, libraries and local communities putting together their very own Wizarding World-inspired parties. From dressing up in your finest cloaks and hats, to transforming your space into your own miniature Diagon Alley, or just turning up with a deep and unfettered love of Harry Potter will do nicely. A Harry Potter re-reading marathon helps too: you can do that at home too!
This year, celebrations are happening all over the world
While UK publishers Bloomsbury may have got the ball rolling, all sorts of Harry Potter Book Nights are taking place across the globe. Across Europe, into Russia, all the way to the US – you can check out Bloomsbury’s event map to see what’s going on near you.
'Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.'
— Waterstones (@Waterstones) January 28, 2019
Yes, it's that time of year once again when we iron our cloaks, track down our Marauder's Map and prepare for #HarryPotterBookNight. Head this way to find an event near you ⬇️https://t.co/fP7TjWhccP pic.twitter.com/2q1RQvmh3k
What’s happening in the UK?
Specifically in the UK, our entire little island is planning to be awash with fancy dress competitions, quiz nights, wand-making tutorials, treasure hunts and more.
In London, a very special night will be taking place at St James’s Church, next to Waterstones Piccadilly, where illustrators Jim Kay and Chris Riddell (who have illustrated the first three Harry Potter books and The Tales of Beedle the Bard respectively) will be featuring on a special panel where fans can ask them questions and get their books signed.
And beyond?
Glad you asked. At the time of writing, there are over 476 events all over the world you could visit one fo them! Here’s a few fun stats on just how widespread the celebrations go:
– The most northern event is a school party happening in Novodvinsk, Arkhangelsk region, Russia.
– While the most southern event is at the Khandallah Library, Wellington, New Zealand!
– And the event furthest away from any other? Wycombe Abbey International School in Changzhou, China!
There are even a number of Harry Potter Book Night events happening near key locations where the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts were filmed.
Platform 9 ¾ will be having a shindig at King’s Cross Station, London, while in New York celebrations will be taking place at Waldwick Public Library, rather near MACUSA – AKA the Woolworth Building.
Oh where, oh where, is our Floo Powder when we need it...
So, wherever you are, pick up a Harry Potter book and have a fabulous evening. And be sure to check out the hashtag #HarryPotterBookNight and let us know what you’re up to.
Harry Potter Book Night is happening 7th February, 2019. If you can’t make any of the events, not to worry. There’s plenty of fun happening online too!
