A Triwizard event took place in Perth last night, attracting hundreds of Harry Potter fans.
Actors Chris Rankin, Jamie Waylett and Josh Herdman, who all play wizards in the magical franchise, were in attendance to ensure that the event was no damp squib, despite the rainy weather.
The trio played Percy Weasley, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle respectively in the Warner Brothers franchise, which ran from 2001 to 2011.
Video of the event is above this article
Under the branches of a – non-Whomping – willow tree, aspiring witches and wizards were given the chance to see a flying Ford Anglia car, take part in wand duelling classes, and participate in broomstick training and Quidditch matches.
The event also featured a variety of actors playing various Hogwarts teachers and the chance to meet and hold live owls, including a snowy owl doppelganger for Harry Potter’s own pet Hedwig.
Superfan Ava Chalmers, 10, from Dundee, said she was disappointed not to be able to meet her favourite actor from the series, Rupert Grint, but that she had enjoyed chatting with Chris Rankin.
She said: “I am a massive Harry Potter fan, I’m totally obsessed. I’d love to get my Hogwarts letter next year.
“Tonight has been awesome – I met Chris Rankin and he was lovely. My favourite character is Ron Weasley because he’s really cheeky and funny. I’m disappointed he’s not here but Percy made up for it.”
Gemma Fyvie and Thomas Duguid, both 9, travelled from their home in Edinburgh – where they live near Harry Potter author JK Rowling – to attend the event.
Gemma said: “I like Harry Potter a lot. My dad bought the tickets as a surprise and said I could bring a friend.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the actors. My favourite part so far is seeing the owls.”
The pair also took part in a “Sorting Hat ceremony” carried out by actors portraying Professors McGonagall and Slughorn, with both delighted to be sorted into Ravenclaw.
Chris Rankin said the Perth Night Light events marked 20 years since the trio had begun filming the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
He said: “It’s 20 years this year since we started filming. The official anniversary is next year, November 2021, because that’s when the first film was released. To us it seems like it was just a couple of weeks ago.
“It’s been 20 years and it’s still holding its own as a franchise – it’s only really us and Star Wars that keep going.
“I’m always excited to meet the fans and Scotland is the homeland of Harry Potter so it’s always nice to be here.
“I’ve done a lot of events before but not one like this – I’ve never stood on a riverside in Scotland in the dark. it’s very pretty though and I’m looking forward to seeing it when it gets really dark.”
Muggles will have another chance to meet the magical trio this evening before the event changes to a Jurassic theme on January 30 and 31.
