Thursday 3 Feb, 2022
Dig out your oversized black-framed round specs and magic wand, cos Thursday 3 February is the sixth annual Harry Potter Book Night, which is a red letter day for all aspirant wizards, lovers of fantasy and fans of the fabulous Harry Potter Series – even us mere Muggles are welcome to participate.
It is an opportunity to rediscover the magic of the brilliant novels and to participate in themed gatherings, readings, tournaments, events and parties – face to face (if they are Covid compliant) or online – and to encourage libraries, bookshops, reading groups and friends to get involved.
For the non-literary among us, Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author JK Rowling telling the story of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends, and their adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
It was started in 2014 by Bloomsbury Publishing and is still one of their key events. All you need to know can be found on their website – including their “event kit” – which is a collection of ideas for decorating your space, dressing up and recipes as well as pages of fun activities, games and quizzes. There are also posters, invites and certificates below as well as a virtual background to use if your event is online.
Events take place all over the world – formally in schools, libraries and clubs and informally among families and friends.
The theme for this year is “Magical Journeys” – a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the theme reflects the magical journey that the Harry Potter books have taken so many millions of people on since the first book published in 1997.
Witches, wizards and Muggles from all around the world are invited to take a magical journey of their own, through enchanting games, magical crafts and bewitching activities.
The 1000 Hills is the perfect place to be spending Harry Potter Book Night. Because it falls on a school night this year, consider doing Harry Potter themed things over the weekends before or after instead.
A trip on a steam train – it is easy to pretend that Wesley, the Umgeni Steam Train loco, is Hogwarts Express as it rushes between Kloof and Inchanga – not quite Kings Cross Station Platform 9 ¾ – but almost!There are train rides this weekend (which are just about full) on Sat 29 Jan at 8.30am / 12.30pm and Sun 8.30am / 12.30pm and again next weekend, where there are seats, on Sat 12 Feb at 12.30pm and Sun 13 Feb 8.30am/ 12.30pm.
A visit to Ammazulu Sculpture Park – where, if you look carefully, there are enormous dragons and mythical creatures hidden in the forest.
Pop into “The Shire”, the Harry Potter / Lord of the Rings / Game of Thrones themed shop in Hillcrest which has a fabulous range of limited-edition merchandise, collectables and books for sale. There is great coffee to enjoy while browsing in their cafe.
Visit any of the public parks in 1000 Hills – as a safe, covid-compliant outdoor space for your Harry Potter event.
Have fun being in touch with your inner wizard on Thursday 3 February, and “Let us step into the night, and peruse that flighty temptress, adventure…”
Good to Know
The hashtags for the event used on social media are #HarryPotterBookNight and #HPBN
For more info, visit: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/discover/harry-potter/harry-potter-book-night-2022/
Event kit: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/discover/harry-potter/harry-potter-book-night-event-kit-2022/
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/PFBXVWCX0K8
Booking for Umgeni Steam Railway, visit: www.umgenisteamrailway.com
Or phone: 082 353 6003
The Shire:
9 Old Main Road, Hillcrest
Tel Matt: 074 118 8066
Ammazulu Gardens and Sculpture Precinct / 88 Kloof Falls Rd, Kloof.
For information: 083 244 7565 / https://www.ammazulupalace.com/gardens-and-sculpture.php#mapSection
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