Is the magic over? Harry Potter fans are unhappy that homecoming has been cancelled

September 1 is "Hogwarts Homecoming Day" in Harry Potter. Every year at this time, homecoming celebrations are held at King's Cross Station in London, which is also the station where the three people in the book set off for Hogwarts.

This year, that tradition was broken when Hogwarts Homecoming Day was cancelled, and Harry Potter fans who gathered on the platform booed.

King's Cross Station in London, where the three set off for Hogwarts, hosts an annual celebration to protect magical dreams in people's hearts. On 1 September, people gathered at the station, hoping to hear over the PA system that the fictional Hogwarts Express would depart from Platform 9 3/4 at 11am, just as it happens in JK Rowling's books.

Book fans have become accustomed to celebrating the start of a new academic year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on this day, and before that, Harry Potter fans were greeted with a tongue-in-cheek announcement and the name of the Hogwarts Express on the departure board at King's Cross Station. Hundreds of fans attended the 2023 event.

This year, however, King's Cross Railway station announced early that it would not be hosting the Hogwarts homecoming event, hoping that fans will not come to the event in vain. As a result, a large number of fans still turned out to guard.

When the clock didn't strike 11 as loudly as it usually does, there were disappointment and boos from the crowd.

Many Harry Potter fans left messages of dissatisfaction and regret, but a large number of netizens applauded, saying that such an event should be permanently cancelled, arguing that King's Cross station is a commuter station with huge passenger traffic, and holding such an event seriously interferes with People's Daily commuting needs.

Others said they were Harry Potter fans and used to enjoy the event until they got to work and realized how inconvenient it was for commuters.

Many also recalled the "hellish experience" of catching up to the event, arguing that the gathering should not have been held at the station in the first place. It has also been suggested that such events could be held, but fans would have to pay a ticket to enter.

The parties were fighting like cats and dogs...

It wasn't entirely without celebration though, with fans being directed to an online celebration hosted by Warner's "Harry Potter Studio Tour," reality TV star Sam Thompson.

But it can't replace the excitement and atmosphere of celebrating in person at King's Cross Station. Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, lamenting the loss of what has become a traditional event beloved by Harry Potter fans around the world.

The campaign has been very popular with book fans and has been a great success. But Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns the Harry Potter franchise, decided to cancel this year's celebration anyway.

A statement on the Wizarding World website "strongly discouraged" fans from coming to the station on Sunday (September 1) and revealed that there would be other celebratory items - an online event hosted by I'm a Celebrity winner Sam Thompson.

The statement read: "On 1 September this year, we strongly advise fans not to visit King's Cross Station as there will be no events, number plates or countdown at the station."

A video posted on social media showed the expectant crowd counting down to 11 a.m., booing when nothing happened, and fans leaving the station disappointed after the commotion. King's Cross Station ends the "return to Hogwarts" tradition. Reactions to the incident have been mixed.

Just a few months ago, Miriam Margolis, one of the stars of Harry Potter, told adult fans of the series to "grow up".

The actor, who plays Professor Pomona Sprout in the Harry Potter films, says there's been talk of them having a Harry Potter-themed wedding - what would that look like? I can't even think about it. The Harry Potter series is great. I'm very grateful for it. [But] it's over. "That's what I think."

Related recommendations


User Login

Register Account