02 September 2024 , 20:03
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Fans turned up to the London station - famous as being the home of platform nine and three-quarters - despite Warner Brothers saying last week the annual event would not happen this year.
Harry Potter fans who gathered at King’s Cross hoping for the annual Hogwarts Express announcement have been left disappointed.
Boos rang out after the usual tannoy address and departure board listing failed to materialise.
The event usually draws hundreds of fans - many in fancy dress - to mark the start of term at the fictional school of wizardry.
The Hogwarts Express famously leaves from hidden platform 9 3/4 and the London station is a major attraction for fans.
Warner Brothers, which runs a Potter shop at King’s Cross and owns the franchise, last week "strongly discouraged" fans from showing up and said this year’s theatrics were cancelled.
Harry Potter fans were left disappointed after the annual tradition of the Kings Cross Hogwarts announcement didn’t happening today pic.twitter.com/5myFuDRh8e
— UB1UB2 West London (Southall) (@UB1UB2) September 1, 2024
However, many either didn’t get the message or turned up anyway.
Phones were trained on the departures board and there was an enthusiastic countdown to 11am.
But it was all for nothing and, after a hopeful silence, a smattering of boos and jeers spread among the crowd.
The King and Queen visit the Platform 9 3/4 sign at King’s Cross in 2013 - a site that has become a major attraction for fans around the world. Pic: PA
No reason was given for the cancellation of the King’s Cross event and it’s unclear whether it will be back next year.
Other Back to Hogwarts events did take place however, including some online and at New York’s Grand Central Station, where Bonnie Wright, AKA Ginny Weasley, turned up.