Ever since Harry Potter boarded the Hogwarts Express and left for his wizarding school, fans of the fantasy novel and film franchise have been gathering in large numbers at London’s King’s Cross station to celebrate the occasion. However, this year it has been a disappointing year. (Also Read – ‘Bloody Longbottom’: Harry Potter’s Draco Malfoy Tom Felton loses cricket match to Neville Matthew Lewis)
No announcement this year
Each year, as fans gather at King’s Cross Station with their costumes, wands and props, the arrival of the fictional Hogwarts Express is announced at 11am every September 1. Prior to this, a video of the train arriving at the fictional Platform 9 ¾ is also shown on a large screen at the station.
According to a video aired on X, fans gathered in large numbers this year too but were disappointed as the 11am countdown was followed by the regular public address, which was vehemently opposed by disappointed fans at the station.
“Big people disappointed that the real train running at the real train station didn’t announce the fake train from the fake platform to the fake destination,” one x user commented on the viral video. “Harry’s last movie was released in 2011, live a crap life for god’s sake (crying emoji),” another wrote. “Looks like magic took a day off. Big disappointment for Harry Potter fans,” a third comment read.
prior notice given
Several X users also pointed out that officials had actually given notice well in advance that the Hogwarts Express would not be arriving at King’s Cross this year. “It’s disappointing when a beloved tradition is missed, but the truth is that people were notified a week in advance,” one user wrote. official website The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the founder and founding member, mentioned this important announcement on July 23 while detailing its plans for September 1.
It added: “Firstly – an important note from us: from 1 September, fans are strongly discouraged from visiting King’s Cross Station this year, as there will be no programme, departure boards or countdown at the station.”
