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Bloomsbury announce new theme for Harry Potter Book Day 2025: Friends and Foes!

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Grab some round spectacles or some white-Voldemort-style face paint... this year's Harry Potter Book Day theme celebrates the light and shade of the wizarding world. 

As such, Bloomsbury's event kit for 2025 will be packed full of creative and exciting activities that celebrate the deep friendships in the Harry Potter books - as well as the Dark feuds and more deadly characters... 

Harry Potter Book Day is a chance for fans around the globe to celebrate J.K. Rowling’s iconic series with events, parties and other festivities. Every year, Bloomsbury creates a special free, downloadable event kit, jam-packed with more decoration, food, costume, activity and game ideas than you can shake a wand at! Of course, you can use the event kit or create your own magical activities for the day too - get creative and have fun. 

[Last year](https://www.harrypotter.com/news/bloomsbury-reveal-harry-potter-book-day-2024) saw 17,000 event kit registrations from 131 different territories – Harry Potter Book Day is truly a global celebration for everyone. 

Harry Potter World Book Day Teaser | 2025

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So, whether you are a bookshop, library, school or simply a group of friends wanting to celebrate - get involved. The event kit has activities for readers of all ages, and is suitable for lifelong superfans to young readers just beginning their Harry Potter journey.  

Visit [www.HarryPotterBookDay.com](https://www.HarryPotterBookDay.com) to sign up. The event kit and other assets will be released later in the summer.  

## And a reminder for schools ...!   

A special virtual headline event hosted by Harry Potter film star Evanna Lynch is still available, together with classroom resources.   Created in partnership with Twinkl and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, this completely free, 35-minute video includes a: 

  •  Magical Places creative writing session from the Great Hall 

  •  How To Draw Hogwarts session with Evanna and Harry Potter illustrator Jonny Duddle 

  •  Spellcasting class from platform nine and three-quarters 

Perfect for children age 7+, the lesson and resources can be found on [Twinkl’s website.](https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/twinkl-partnerships/harry-potter/book-day)

***

We can't wait to *Accio party hat* and join in the celebrations!

Your ultimate guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter  – Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe

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## Yes, you'll get to explore the British Ministry of Magic 

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The clue is in the title! Park visitors can immerse themselves inside the walls of the most powerful organisation in wizarding Britain, the Ministry of Magic. And it’s absolutely crammed with details: Daily Prophet newspapers, Ministry of Magic paraphernalia, and brutalist architecture. Every Room and departments  that you know from the books and films can be found in this huge recreation, including some you haven’t seen before, such as the mysterious Time Room, the Department of Magical Creatures and much more. 

[You can dive even deeper right here.](https://www.harrypotter.com/news/universal-epic-universe-ministry-of-magic-attraction-sneak-peek)

## AND traverse the streets of wizarding Paris

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Inspired by Newt Scamander’s brief sojourn to France in *Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald*, [Universal Orlando Resort](https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/epic-universe/worlds/the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-ministry-of-magic) has brought wizarding Paris to Florida. Of course, we know a lot about wizarding Britain from the Harry Potter stories – but now you can walk along the cobbled streets of the French capital, from the point of view of witches and wizards. And with the scene all set in the 1920s, you’ll also be immersed in the fabulousness of the decade. 

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Place Cachée, the French equivalent of [Diagon Alley](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/locations/diagon-alley), if you like, translates to ‘hidden place’ in English – and serves as your main shopping district. Expect to see shops and chic cafés before moving on to the Le Cirque Arcanus for a splendid array of circus performers, puppets and special effects. C’est magnifique. 

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Here are the big shops and cafes to look out for: 

__Café L’air De La Sirène__: a Parisian eatery full of art nouveau mosaics and delicious pastries 
__Le Gobelet Noir:__ A mysterious medieval-style tavern known to attract Dark witches and wizards. Expect hearty meals and hushed conversations! 
__Bar Moonshine:__ A home away from home... this American-style speakeasy is the perfect place for a friendly Butterbeer. 
 
__K. Rammelle:__ The Parisian equivalent of Honeydukes, this is the place to browse weird and wonderful magical sweets. 
 
__Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques:__ You know Ollivander, now get ready for Cosme Acajor, a French wandmaker who has a little bit more of a sophisticated style. And yes, ‘baguette magique’ is wand in French. 
__Les Galeries Mirifiques:__ To finish things off elegantly, why don’t you grab some gladrags from this school uniform shop that specialises in international school attire?

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## New ride “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry”, is all about the dreaded Dolores Umbridge

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Perhaps more fearful than Lord Voldemort himself, [the wizarding world’s other great villain](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/exploring-the-villains-and-less-obvious-villains-of-the-wizarding-world) – Dolores Umbridge – is back with a vengeance in this new ride, __Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry__. This new, fully immersive dark ride takes place just after the Battle of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, where the devious former-Hogwarts Professor has been put on trial. Alas, things don’t go accordingly to plan, and Umbridge escapes the court alongside a gaggle of remaining Death Eaters.   

Your job will be to re-capture Umbridge alongside a few familiar friends (Harry, Ron and Hermione, no less!) and a lovely house-elf called Higgledy. 

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## Exclusive Ministry of Magic merch!

After such a thrilling adventure, we wouldn’t blame you if you fancied relaxing with some retail therapy. 

At Tour En Floo, you can browse t-shirts, hats, banners and more, branded with Ministry of Magic insignias and logos – we especially like the deep purple colour. 


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## Watch out for Easter eggs!   

We love the big bombastic splendour of a theme park, but we know a lot of you like to keep an eye out for the little details too. The Ministry of Magic will have those in abundance for you. And although we don’t want to spoil absolutely everything for future-visitors, here’s a few tips.

Firstly - look out for a painting of Cassandra Trelawney, celebrated Seer and Professor [Sybill Trelawney’s](https://www.harrypotter.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/sybill-trelawney) great-great grandmother. We encourage you to talk to the painting for a fun surprise - once she's awake, of course. You won’t see it coming! (Bit of Divination humour for you there!) 


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In the queue for __Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry__, you’ll find a Hall of Ministers (AKA previous leaders of the British Ministry) and a bust of Ulick Gamp, the first ever [Minister for Magic.](https://www.harrypotter.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/ministers-for-magic) (Super-super fans will know him as the man behind Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration!)  

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In wizarding Paris, you’ll be able to find the home of Nicolas Flamel – and a pretty famous magical object you’ll know well from *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.*

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Speaking of wizarding celebrities - you'll notice too that Newt Scamander's famous textbook *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* is on display as a French version. 

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Any French-speakers out there? Then be sure to check out the beautifully designed posters for the Circus Arcanus - that celebrates the "living curiosities" of the wizarding world, in town for a special time. You can have fun decoding the other advertisements too.

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*** 

__Universal Epic Universe opens on 22nd May at Universal Orlando Resort. [You can learn more from the official website. ](https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/epic-universe/worlds/the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-ministry-of-magic)__

Casting for six Hogwarts staff members confirmed for Harry Potter HBO Original Series 

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It's a Hogwarts bonanza today, as we are delighted to reveal six of the school’s staff that will appear in the Harry Potter HBO Original Series. 

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John Lithgow is confirmed as Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts and Harry’s future mentor. Lithgow is a 6-time Emmy winner, 2-time Tony winner and a BAFTA and Oscar nominee. Most recently, he won the 2025 Best Actor Oliver Award for his role in the West End theatre production, *Giant*. 

Tony, Golden Globe and Olivier winner and Oscar and Emmy nominee Janet McTeer will portray Hogwarts Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House, Professor McGonagall. 

Paapa Essiedu who was Emmy and BAFTA nominated for his turn in comedy-drama *I May Destroy You*, takes on the surly Potions Professor, Severus Snape, while BIFA nominated actor Nick Frost will be taking on the mantle of beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid. 

Theatre performer Luke Thallon is playing Quirinus Quirrell, the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor in Harry’s first year, while five-time BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse, perhaps best known for UK sketch series *The Fast Show*, plays Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch.

That’s a very full Hogwarts staff room already! 

‘We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch,’ said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer and Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer. ‘We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.’

Production for the series is slated to begin in summer 2025 and you can [catch up on absolutely everything revealed so far about the TV series right here.](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/everything-we-know-about-the-harry-potter-tv-series-so-far)

***

The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved “Harry Potter” book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling and will feature an exciting and talented cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters “Harry Potter” fans have adored for over 25 years. Exploring every corner of the wizarding world, each season will bring “Harry Potter” and its incredible adventures to new and existing audiences and will stream exclusively on Max where it’s available globally, including upcoming markets such as Turkey, the UK, Germany, and Italy, among others. The original, classic, and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch around the world.

The upcoming series is written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner. Mark Mylod will executive produce and direct multiple episodes of the series for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. The series is executive produced by J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.

***

__The Harry Potter TV series will be a HBO Original and will premiere on Max. [Learn more about Max right here](https://www.harrypotter.com/news/introducing-enhanced-streaming-service-max), and see if it's [available in your territory here.](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/how-to-stream-harry-potter-wherever-you-are)__

***

__[Sign up for more Harry Potter updates straight away with our newsletter](https://www.harrypotter.com/register), which will deliver any scoops to you faster than an owl.__

***

Stay up to date with the latest Wizarding World news here. Faster than an owl and more accurate than the Daily Prophet.

Get the latest Harry Potter news here. Faster than an owl and more accurate than the Daily Prophet

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New Hogwarts Library book covers revealed for 2023 

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard have served as our faithful companions to the Harry Potter stories now for many years, and now, we can reveal these beautiful new covers for them.

Alongside the covers, the audiobooks are also about to launch in Bulgarian, starting with The Tales of Beedle the Bard, today! You can visit the [Storytel](https://www.storytel.com/bg/bg/) website for more details about this one.

You may remember the recent makeover of the digital Harry Potter books – and these covers follow a similar style. Let’s take a look at each one.  

## Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 


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Newt Scamander’s handy textbook is a Hogwarts staple – with so many magical creatures to learn about. On this cover, the majestic [Hippogriff](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/pottermore-guide-to-hippogriffs) is represented. As the Hippogriffs are respectful creatures, we’re sure Buckbeak would be happy with the level of respect being shown here! 

## Quidditch Through the Ages 


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As ‘written’ by Kennilworthy Whisp, this comprehensive history of the wizarding sport of Quidditch goes back centuries. This new cover would please a certain Ron Weasley, as it features his favourite team, the Chudley Cannons and their glorious orange and red team colours. The Chudley Cannons famously don’t win much, so we’re glad they’re having a moment to shine here. 

## The Tales of Beedle the Bard


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[The Tales of Beedle the Bard](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/web-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-tales-of-beedle-the-bard) is a collection of ancient fables that teach witches and wizards life lessons in the same manner we Muggles learnt from the likes of Aesop’s fables. Here, we see the warty hopping pot from The Wizard and the Hopping Pot taking centre stage. Eagle eyed viewers might be able to spot the famous symbol of the Deathly Hallows from The Tale of the Three Brothers in the background too.

## Complete Collection 

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The complete collection is all wrapped up here – with a helpful Bowtruckle in tow to guard them safely. Which cover is your favourite? 

***

Learn more about the [Hogwarts Library books here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/discover/books). Some of the proceeds of the sales are donated to various charities. 

Take a look inside the new official Harry Potter Cook Book

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Hot on the heels of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Official Harry Potter Baking Book, we are now bringing you The Official Harry Potter Cookbook from Scholastic – full of 40+ recipes inspired by the Harry Potter films.

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Created by food writer maestro Joanna Farrow, this new upcoming book features full-colour photography and over 40 recipes - both savoury and sweet - including snacks, desserts, drinks and more. Mrs Weasley would either be extremely jealous or obsessed with this. 

Here’s a look at just a couple of magical munches.

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Pasta lovers, you could put a Hogwarts twist on your favourite dish by simply adding the colours of the four Hogwarts houses: some yellow peppers for Hufflepuff, some green beans for Slytherin, eggplant for Ravenclaw and pepperoni for Gryffindor. Buono! 

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Why have we not thought to make a giant cauldron sandwich before?! Perhaps if Snape had one of these before his Potions class, he would be in a far better mood.

Other meals in the book are themed around some of your favourite  characters, such as a hearty soup inspired by Hagrid (thank Merlin it’s not his rock cakes!) some Draco Malfoy blondies, Sir Cadogan’s sword kebabs, a troll bogey smoothie (yes, really!) and many more culinary delights. Nutritional and dietary information is provided throughout, along with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. 

If you’re a young, aspiring chef, this cookbook also features many cooking tips and pieces of advice to get you started, including step-by-step instructions that are easy for all the family to follow. 

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re suddenly in the mood for some Owl Post savoury crepes! 

[Learn more about The Official Harry Potter Cookbook here from Scholastic, available 5th September.](https://kids.scholastic.com/kid/books/harry-potter/)

Harry Potter: Magic Awakened reveals new story trailer 

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From your train journey to the Sorting Ceremony, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened will give you the full Hogwarts experience. The immersive collectible card and wizarding dueling game has already become the No.1 top grossing mobile game in Mainland China – and we love the unique artistic style this game is designed in. This latest look at the game puts you right in the center of the storyline, from Hagrid’s delivery of the Hogwarts letter to dueling lessons at Hogwarts.

Harry Potter Magic Awakened | Story Trailer

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As you can see, the game invites you to customise your look, go shopping in Diagon Alley and generally improve your magical knowledge – but we’re intrigued by some of the unfamiliar characters we see in the trailer too, such as the blonde Slytherin student intent on getting to her Potions class! 

[Harry Potter: Magic Awakened](https://www.wizardingworld.com/discover/portkey-games/harry-potter-magic-awakened) is one of many titles that sits under the Portkey Games label, which is dedicated to creating new Wizarding World mobile and video game experiences that place the player at the centre of their own adventure, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s original stories. You can learn more about Portkey Games here.

You can [pre-register on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netease.wb.goog.hpma&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1) or the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/pl/app/harry-potter-magic-awakened/id1490196497) right now to learn more, or [visit the official website.](https://www.magicawakened.com/en-gb)

Get ready for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter 

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Something extremely magical is coming to Tokyo – and is set to be one of the biggest magical experiences for fans yet. Yes, tickets for Warner Bros. [Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter](https://www.wbstudiotour.jp/en/about/) are now on sale.

The Tokyo branch of the Studio Tour will not only have exclusive Wizarding World treats on offer – but invites you to visit the biggest Harry Potter shop in the world as part of your visit. 

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As with other Studio Tours around the world, Japan-based Harry Potter fans can expect to visit authentic sets, props and costumes made by the original British filmmakers. The Studio Tour in Tokyo is a brand-new experience, and the first tour of its kind to open in Asia, where fans can step behind the scenes and discover the world of film production through the medium of witchcraft and wizardry.

For those unfamiliar with the Studio Tour, visitors will be able to visit the iconic Great Hall set, walk along the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley and traipse through the mysterious Forbidden Forest. You’ll bump into magical creatures, observe gorgeous costumes and take part in magical activities, such as broom riding and Butterbeer drinking.

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Fans will also get to immerse themselves into iconic Wizarding World moments, such as appearing in a moving Hogwarts portrait or stepping into the crowd of a Quidditch match, just as if you were a wizard or witch yourself. 

The Platform 9 ¾ set was created by the original Harry Potter filmmakers using authentic techniques. It’s home to the Hogwarts Express which is an original British steam locomotive that was built in 1929 called The Dumbleton Hall. Operated by the Great Western Railway, it continued to run for over 35 years until it was retired. The locomotive was refurbished in England, then shipped to Japan to take up its position at the Studio Tour. 

Torben Jensen, VP and GM Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter said: “The Studio Tour is a completely new experience for Harry Potter fans in Japan and I’m so excited to open the doors on 16th June.  In addition to fantastic interactive features, multiple photo opportunities and the world’s largest Harry Potter shop, the Studio Tour will exclusively showcase a number of incredible film sets that are one of a kind.” 

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Alongside Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts fans will be able to seek out some of their favourite locations from the films: The Great Wizarding Express, for example, is a set that is exclusive to Tokyo, which appeared in *Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore*.

The train carriage is art deco in styling, to match the era, and is decorated with ornate detailing throughout recreating the appearance of birdseye maple, ebony and brass inlay strips.  Depicting the scene where Newt Scamander leads an intrepid team of wizards, witches, and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, the mannequins display the costumes of Newt Scamander, Jacob Kowalski, Theseus Scamander, Bunty Broadacre, Yusuf Kama and Eulalia “Lally” Hicks.

The Studio Tour will also be home to the largest Harry Potter shop in the world, featuring 14 themed sections that are decorated with over 7,000 bespoke and specially sourced props. The areas are beautifully designed and take inspiration from elements of the shops on Diagon Alley including Honeydukes, Ollivanders and Flourish and Blotts.

A huge range of products will be available to buy, many of which have been exclusively developed for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo. In addition, visitors can enjoy a choice of restaurants and cafés which will serve a celebration of traditional British fare such as fish and chips, roast beef, English breakfast and Afternoon Tea. Delicious.

Get ready for a summer of magical delights out in Tokyo! It’s going to be a big one.

***

Tickets for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo will be on sale from Wednesday 22nd March at 2pm JST, available to purchase for visits between 16th June to the 30th September, 2023. [Visit the official website for details.](https://www.wbstudiotour.jp/)

Take a look inside Hogwarts Legacy: The Official Game Guide

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In this official game guide published by Scholastic, players will learn everything they need to know to play Hogwarts Legacy in the best way. Discover exclusive information about brand-new characters and locations found in the game, plus unlock hidden secrets and other tips for completing the game’s various quests. 

Here’s a quick look inside the book so you can see what you can expect. [Or pick up the book for yourself here.](https://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter)

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The game’s character maker is richly detailed, so you can create your perfect Hogwarts persona, perhaps one you’ve been dreaming about for a long time. The game guide can show you a couple of options to choose from, and offers a few helpful tips that could become handy for later.

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This game is all about YOUR Hogwarts Legacy, but the game also introduces you to fellow classmates living their own Hogwarts lives. Here’s a page on just a few of the characters you’ll meet.

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Hogwarts Legacy is so full of fascinating little details, you may blink and risk missing some. We especially enjoy this page from the game guide that lays out some of the pages of the Wizard’s Field Guide, which will be absolutely instrumental to you during your gameplay experience. So here is a guide to... the guide, effectively!

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All Hogwarts students need to unwind – and where better to do that than Hogsmeade? These pages lay out all the shops and pubs you can visit, whether you require some plant seeds or fancy a change of clothing.

***

This official game guide is a must-have for any gamer and Wizarding World fan.

[Available now!](https://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter)

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Seven magical things to look forward to in The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac 

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Bloomsbury Children’s Books is proud to present *The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac*, a rich and colourful new tome for the whole family to dig deeper into the wizarding world. [You can pre-order here.](https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/discover/superpages/harry-potter/the-harry-potter-wizarding-almanac-pre-order-offer/)

Published by Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic in the US in October 2023, this visual compendium is richly illustrated and packed with all sorts of magical tidbits about the Harry Potter stories – some you may know, some you may not, all wrapped up in gorgeous new illustrations by seven talented artists: Peter Goes, Louise Lockhart, Weitong Mai, Olia Muza, Pham Quang Phuc, Levi Pinfold and Tomislav Tomić. 


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You can expect to see charts, maps, lists, timelines, handy guides, favourite quotes, cheerful infographics and much more in this celebration of J.K. Rowling’s epic book series. And even we, as your Wizarding World experts, learnt a few new nuggets as well! 

Here are seven fantastic pages of the book for you to take a sneak peek at.  

## 1. No sock is left unturned 

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The wizarding world is a visual spectacle – and this book celebrates every little detail of it with love and care; like this page, (drawn by Louise Lockhart) which illustrates some of our favourite character outfits. Enjoy new interpretations of these memorable wizarding fashion moments, from Mrs Weasley’s jumpers to Dobby’s socks. Of course, everyone has a different aesthetic, especially Rubeus Hagrid and his go-to outfit for smart occasions – his brown, hairy suit. 

Beyond clothes, other pages of the book will take you to the Hogwarts library to study book titles, an unruly collection of household pests reveals some of the magical nuisances of the wizarding world, and ‘Fantastic Treats and Where to Find Them’ may make you hungry, mapping out a dedicated spread of magical foods!

## 2. Transport yourself to magical locations

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Oh, to be able to casually tap on a seemingly innocuous brick wall and find yourself in Diagon Alley. Well, the Almanac will do its best to take you there, and even invite you inside some of the most beloved shops. Here, we see a delightfully pink layout (as put together by Olia Muza) of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Fred and George’s larger-than-life joke shop. Some of their most eccentric creations are displayed here, such as their mischievous Decoy Detonators and a colourful array of Skiving Snackboxes.

This is just one shop window we happen to be peering into. The rest of the book invites you to other locations, such as Gringotts, the Ministry of Magic, Grimmauld Place, The Burrow and, of course, Hogwarts itself. Merlin knows how they’re going to fit that big old castle into this book, but we’re sure an Extension Charm or two will help...

## 3. Take some ‘unguided tours’ with handy maps – including this stunning guide to Hogwarts

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We all get a little lost sometimes, and in the wizarding world, even more so than usual. Thankfully, the Almanac is here to help, and takes us on a few ‘unguided tours’ of key locations across the stories. Above, the Almanac artist Peter Goes has – rather brilliantly – made sense of the chaos that is Hogwarts castle, detailing its many floors and secret passages in this pièce de résistance.

Take a good look at this page to discover the locations of certain towers and rooms, a meticulous depiction of every Hogwarts floor (catch Fluffy on the third, obviously) and even where specific paintings and statues are, such as Lachlan the Lanky and the Fat Lady’s drinking buddy, Violet. You can even find the vanishing step, where Harry once got trapped sneaking around Hogwarts after dark, and the amount of time it takes to get to certain areas (about ten minutes from the Entrance Hall to the North Tower, apparently!).

The little illustrative moments will also make you smile, especially if you catch the reference. For instance, the little painting of a bowl of fruit is particularly special (Tickle the pear! If you know, you know!) and the Barnabas the Barmy tapestry is a reference to the bizarre tale of a wizard who once tried to teach trolls ballet. See what else you can find! 

We won’t blame you if you need to pore over this page for hours and hours.  

## 4. Top up your Harry Potter knowledge to 112 per cent!

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You think you know absolutely everything about Harry Potter – and then boom – someone asks you what wand core Remus Lupin has. Yes, life comes at you fast. (And it’s a unicorn hair, if you wanted to know.) Fortunately, the Almanac has you covered, and can provide all sorts of fascinating specifics to make you the toast of your next Harry Potter party. Take this page, for instance, illustrated by Weitong Mai,  which examines the wand cores of key characters from the Harry Potter stories, straight from the records of Mr Ollivander. Are there any cores here you didn’t know?

## 5. Explore detailed timelines of some of your favourite moments 

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Comb back through some of your favourite scenes from the Harry Potter stories with these comprehensive timelines – including the ending of *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’s* famous Time-Turner sequence, illustrated by Tomislav Tomić. Time travel is always quite complicated, where even the slightest amendment can change the course of history, so we are grateful for this log of events to remember exactly how Harry and Hermione saved the day. Just think, if Hagrid’s milk jug hadn’t smashed … it could’ve been a different ending for lovely Buckbeak.

You’ll also be able to navigate other trails of wizarding history – for example, you can examine every Hogwarts house point won and lost by Harry, Ron and Hermione in their first year, learn about the creation of Dumbledore’s Army and embark upon a potted history of Quidditch Through the Ages.

## 6. Search for hidden delights 

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Don’t turn the pages of the Almanac too quickly, for there are little easter eggs and miniature surprises to be found all over the book. Look out for hidden Horcruxes, constellations and Deathly Hallows, as you expand your wizarding education. Even the designs of certain pages contain multitudes – this character quotes spread, by Pham Quang Phuc, is designed to look like Dumbledore’s golden pocket watch, embossed with planets. Remember when we first saw it in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*? Yes, we also needed to remind ourselves! 

## 7. Discover new illustrative interpretations 

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Seven incredibly talented artists from across the globe contributed to this book, including some Harry Potter illustrator favourites in the form of Levi Pinfold and Tomislav Tomić, whose work you may recognise from the Hogwarts House Editions and Hogwarts Library editions respectively.

Each artist brings their own extraordinary creative vision to J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. Just take a look at this ethereal celebration of the Patronus, as beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold, and learn about some of your favourite characters’ animal guardians. 

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And to think, this is just a small preview of what is to come. We hope you are as excited about this treasure trove of wizarding delights as we are.

*The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac* will be released on 10th October, 2023 in hardback. The book  will also be published worldwide across 34 languages in translation, which are as follows:

- Bulgarian - Egmont Bulgaria
- Catalan - Grup62
- Chinese (Complex) – Crown Publishing Company
- Chinese (Simplified) – Pepople’s Literature Publishing House
- Czech – Albatros Publishing House
- Danish - Gyldendal
- Estonian - Varrak
- Faroese- Bókadeild Føroya
- Finnish - Tammi
- French – Gallimard Jeunesse
- German - Carlsen
- Greek - Psichogios Publications
- Hungarian - Central Publishing Group Ltd. Animus Books
- Hebrew – Books in the Attic & Yedioth Books 
- Italian – Salani
- Japanese - SayZanSha
- Kazakh - Steppe and World
- Korean – Moonhak Soochup 
- Latvian - Zvaigzne
- Lithuanian - Alma Littera
- Mongolian – Monsudar Publishing
- Norwegian - Cappelen Damm
- Polish - Media Rodzina
- Portuguese (Portugal) – Editorial Presenca
- Portuguese (Brazil) - Rocco 
- Romanian - Editura Arthur
- Serbian – Carobna Knjiga
- Slovenian - Mladinska Knjiga
- Spanish – Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial
- Swedish - Rabén & Sjögren
- Thai - Nanmeebooks
- Turkish – Yapi Kredi Yayinlari
- Ukrainian - A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA
- Vietnamese – Tre Publishing House

For more information, please visit:

[Bloomsbury.com](https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/discover/superpages/harry-potter/the-harry-potter-wizarding-almanac-pre-order-offer)

[Scholastic.com](http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter)

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London announces new feature coming this summer: Discovering Hogwarts  

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Running from 2nd May to 4th September, fans visiting the Studio Tour can expect to get an even more thorough Hogwarts education this summer. The feature, named [‘Discovering Hogwarts’](https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/discovering-hogwarts/), will divulge behind-the-scenes movie secrets about how the labyrinthine castle came to life on screen.

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During the feature, you will discover the secrets behind one of Harry’s first experiences of magic; Professor Flitwick’s Charms class. In a live demonstration, fans are invited to try their hand at Wingardium Leviosa and see how filmmaking techniques were used to bring the spell to life. Created using practical effects, rather than CGI, the magic was as simple as stringing a feather onto a fishing line. A technique described by Special Effects Supervisor, John Richardson, as ‘’going back to the silent movie era.”

For this feature, the extremely talented Special Effects Department will use a particular light effect to make the candles seem like they have real flickering flames and have been hung with over three miles of wire to give the illusion of floating. 

Speaking of floating, the Discovering Hogwarts feature will also explain how Professor Flitwick’s [Wingardium Leviosa](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/five-times-wingardium-leviosa-came-in-handy) scene came to be – and you will be privy to the filmmaking secrets that made this levitating charm really pop on screen. In this case, some trickery with a fishing line was involved! 

Also, Hagrid fans will have a real treat to look forward to– the Discovering Hogwarts display boasts a live demonstration of how the effects team tackled the half-giant’s towering height – which involved the help of 6ft 10” rugby player Martin Bayfield, and quite an impressive prosthetic head. 

So, if you fancy a few Hogwarts secrets, we think you’ll enjoy this one. 

*** 

For further details about Studio Tour and tickets for this particular feature, [do visit the official website. ](https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/discovering-hogwarts/)

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