Harry Potter fans in London have been told not to attend King’s Cross Station on Sunday, September 1 for the start of the new Hogwarts term as there will no event, countdown or departure board for the Hogwarts Express displayed at the station. 

Traditionally, every year fans cram their robe pockets with chocolate frogs and wands and converge on the fictional Platform 9¾ to count down the departure of the Hogwarts Express. The station cordially complies, making hoax announcements and adjusting the departure board to suit. It even plays the iconic Hedwig’s theme music over its public address system.

What started as a modest gathering has seen its numbers soar in recent years. The 2023 edition saw a huge number of Potterheads dressed in costumes to the ‘T’ with spinning wands, Butterbeer and tonnes of giveaways.

Global media conglomerate Warner Brothers Discovery, with a portfolio that includes theme parks, sports channels and cinemas, urged fans to put down their wands and stay away. In an official statement, it said, ‘There will be no event, departure board or countdown at the station this year. Instead, everyone is invited to tune in and join proud Hufflepuff and King of the Jungle, Sam Thompson in a celebration of Back to Hogwarts on the official Harry Potter YouTube channel at UTC +4.00 hrs.’

One can be assured, irrespective of the broadcasting, fans and tourists alike are going to pay homage to their beloved school and character at King’s Cross.