Back to Hogwarts Goes Virtual for 2020

By Jeanette White​

September 1st is a big deal for aspiring wizards. It marks the day students return to Hogwarts for the new term. Much like all back to school affairs this year, Back to Hogwarts Day will be celebrated a little differently. 
 
In past years, the King's Cross Station in London was the main stage for the event. Hundreds of fans dressed in cosplay piled onto the platform to countdown the Hogwarts Express departure time at 11 am.
 
In 2019, the event included:

• A performance by the Queens College Oxford Choir as they worked their way through the film soundtracks
• A specially-designed floating sorting hat
• A commemoration of the flying car scene from The Chamber of Secrets created by the LEGO Group
• A wand dance by performers from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

 
Although London remains the center of Back to Hogwarts Day, celebrations took place worldwide. For example, Indianapolis hosts a hugely-popular “Wizards Unite” event where fans flocked to White River State Park to partake in various festivities.
 
Due to current restrictions, Back to Hogwarts Day will be celebrated virtually this year with the Wizarding World's first-ever livestream. It includes cameos from Harry Potter film stars like Bonnie Wright, Jason Isaacs, James and Oliver Phelps, and Cursed Child Production members. You can test your fandom knowledge with a Wizarding World trivia game and see how fans are celebrating Back to Hogwarts Day worldwide.
 
Oliver Phelps, aka George Weasley, stated, "The Wizarding World fans are the greatest, and getting the chance to share this special day with people all over the world is going to be brilliant. I'm really looking forward to everything this Digital Back to Hogwarts has in store, and it's a bonus that we can all do it from the sofa!"
 
So, wear your pajamas, or wear your best cosplay. Either way, be excited! We know George Weasley is. 
 
If you want to nerd out this year from the safety of your home, make sure to check out the livestream on the Wizarding World website between 10:30 am BST and 11:30 am BST. Fans will still have opportunities to support the Lumos charity throughout the event.  
 
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