British Embassy takes annual Harry Potter Book Night online

The British Embassy in Argentina, in association with FanCon, are putting aside the coronavirus pandemic for a night to host their sixth annual Harry Potter night – this time online.

Normally one of the most anticipated events of the year, with high demand for limited tickets, organisers decided not to postpone this year’s edition in the wake of Covid-19 restrictions and to instead host it virtually, giving Harry Potter fans across the country a chance to be part of the celebration.

This year's event, which takes place this Thursday, February 4 and does not require registration beforehand, will be streamed live on YouTube from the Ambassador’s Residence in Recoleta, giving Potter-heads a rare glimpse inside one of Buenos Aires’ most beloved diplomatic buildings.

Nevertheless, organisers will be expecting Potter-heads to dress up as usual. The theme is ‘Diagon Alley,’ a reference to the famous alley in the Harry Potter saga, where young sorcerers and wizards purchase everything they need – books, robes, wands, potions, brooms, etc. – ahead of their school year at Hogwarts.

As with each annual incarnation, the Harry Potter Book Night will feature a host of interactive activities, including a live reading, a class on potions, trivia quiz and the all-important costume contest.

Among the hosts of the event will be UK Ambassador to Argentina Mark Kent, who will be enjoying his last Harry Potter Book Night in Buenos Aires before his mission ends later this year.

“We want to invite everyone to connect from all over Argentina. Although this year we will not be able to enjoy the event in the gardens, we want to take advantage of the opportunity that virtuality offers us so that more people can participate and enjoy Harry Potter, the books and his magical world," the ambassador said in a press release.

Author J.K. Rowling's famous series of fantasy novels developed a cult following from the first book’s release in 1997, growing with each installment leading up to the seventh in 2007.

An epic story following the trials of a young wizard and his friends captured the mind of children (and adults) around the world with over 80 translated versions. The books inspired an eight-installment movie series from Warner Brothers and a global community of loyal Potter fans.

The event begins at 7.30pm this Thursday, and can be viewed via the British Embassy’s YouTube page: www.youtube.com/ukinargentina.