A Celebration of Harry Potter: Day 1

It’s been an eventful day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando, showcasing an array of props, talent and events – the weekend has only just started!

The livestream of the event from Universal, Warner Bros and J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World was streamed in 360:

Check out the live stream schedule for #HPCelebration at https://t.co/tZWKB7TuXj. pic.twitter.com/vRCEt8VKeA

— Universal Orlando (@UniversalORL) January 27, 2017

A global tweet-along to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two on Sunday was announced, which will be great for those not able to attend the celebrations in Orlando! 

Join us this SUNDAY for a global tweet-along of #HarryPotter and the Deathly Hallows part 2. pic.twitter.com/nhvZ7zi29l — Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) January 26, 2017

A Magizoologist quiz took place to prepare people for a fast-paced weekend of fan events!:

Joining the #HPCelebration this weekend and want to prove your knowledge? Test your Magizoologist skills here: https://t.co/PyVLfFKUc7 pic.twitter.com/vd2IAqD64F

— Pottermore (@pottermore) January 27, 2017

The news that Eddie Redmayne will narrate the new edition of Fantastic Beasts was announced – we can’t wait to hear him talk about so many magical creatures in character!

Eddie Redmayne narrates “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them,” exclusively for pre-order at Audible: https://t.co/68uBnjL9GT pic.twitter.com/oVVxZqmpev — Audible (@audible_com) January 27, 2017

Cursed Child showed off their stand at A Celebration of Harry Potter:

Here’s a sneak peek at the #CursedChild stand at #HPCelebration @UniversalORL! pic.twitter.com/XdGMnVIetx

— Harry Potter Play (@HPPlayLDN) January 27, 2017

Sonia Friedman received an OBE and was named ‘Producer of the Year’ at The Stage awards for the third year running:

#CursedChild producer Sonia Friedman @SFP_London received OBE today & won @TheStage Awards ‘Producer of the Year’ for the 3rd year running! https://t.co/CdHlE4qcAH — Harry Potter Play (@HPPlayLDN) January 27, 2017

Scholastic also previewed their stand – complete with a wall of Muggle signatures:

We’re all set up and ready to go at the Celebration of Harry Potter! Stop by and sign our Muggle Wall! #HPCelebration ????? pic.twitter.com/N0ZKWVhitA

— Scholastic (@Scholastic) January 27, 2017

Warwick Davis will be taking over Pottermore’s channel – check him out in the video below:

For those not joining us at @UniversalORL, @WarwickADavis will be taking over our channels to give you an inside look at #HPCelebration! pic.twitter.com/a6l24WXMjB — Pottermore (@pottermore) January 27, 2017

Share your memories using #ExpectoPatronum and they might be previewed on the interactive board!

We’re seeing many happy memories here at #HPCelebration! Share yours using #ExpectoPatronum, and view the show here: https://t.co/t0JIgoQdIp pic.twitter.com/Q8PMk160s4

— Pottermore (@pottermore) January 27, 2017

We’ve know a big announcement is coming for a while, due to the hashtag #FollowTheSpiders, but what could it mean?!:

There’s more to Day 1 of #HPCelebration! We’ve got a special announcement coming up, so be sure to follow the hashtag! #FollowTheSpiders pic.twitter.com/RV23lx5oh8 — Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) January 27, 2017

#FollowTheSpiders pic.twitter.com/deM1TM5Yov

— Pottermore (@pottermore) January 27, 2017

What would a Harry Potter event be without amazing cosplays? There’s certainly a fair few in Orlando! 

Look who we ran into at #HPCelebration! pic.twitter.com/jmEhPA5GF3 — Pottermore (@pottermore) January 27, 2017

The sun may be shining at @UniversalORL, but it’s never too warm for robes. #HPCelebration pic.twitter.com/q908JxGlsw

— Pottermore (@pottermore) January 27, 2017

Witches and wizards are gathering as the night draws in across #HPCelebration. pic.twitter.com/j8GWDgmche — Pottermore (@pottermore) January 27, 2017

The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Blu-Rays were also announced:

Bring home the magic of #FantasticBeasts on Digital HD 3/7 and Blu-ray™ 3/28. https://t.co/XxDvlPX8Iq pic.twitter.com/VClQxkdKSC — Fantastic Beasts (@FantasticBeasts) January 27, 2017

Harry Potter Expo previewed their Sound Stage:

Check out this sneak peek of the Sound Stage 21 Harry Potter Expo at #HPCelebration 2017. pic.twitter.com/mFe7bYEPf2 — Universal Orlando (@UniversalORL) January 27, 2017

Tag your photos #HPCelebration to add to the mosaic:

Stop by sound stage 21 to see the progress of the #HPCelebration Fan Mosaic. Keep tagging your photos! pic.twitter.com/LQr7F0vCPa — Universal Orlando (@UniversalORL) January 27, 2017

Remember to visit MinaLima’s stand at the event and get your exclusive #HPCelebration pin. We’re SO happy the House of MinaLima will be staying open in London!

Every year for #hpcelebration we design a special collectible badge aka pin aka button that we give away only at our stand. Come get yours! pic.twitter.com/ox4K4w8Zpi — MinaLima (@minalima) January 27, 2017

Be sure to meet the talented graphic designers tomorrow at their Meet & Greet:

Mira & Eduardo’s #HPCelebration Meet & Greet times for tomorrow, Saturday 28 January 2017 are 10-11am and 2-4.30pm. (SoundStage 33) pic.twitter.com/xj2qhoLhuk — MinaLima (@minalima) January 27, 2017

Lastly is A Celebration of Harry Potter’s opening event! Be sure to tune in to watch in 360 on Youtube below!

It has been an eventful first day at #HPCelebration. pic.twitter.com/icDi2mwVsk

— Universal Orlando (@UniversalORL) January 27, 2017

The sun is setting over @UniversalORL as we prepare for the opening night event… Stay tuned! #HPCelebrationpic.twitter.com/vMsTnvZqOg — Pottermore (@pottermore) January 27, 2017

****UPDATES: Opening Ceremony now finished – check below for updates!****

Pottermore released new Fantastic Beasts content on their website and announced TWO events happening in the U.K. this year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London also announced their Forbidden Forest expansion, and told visitors to #FollowTheSpiders to see a full sized Aragog model at the Celebration of Harry Potter event! See more updates from the ceremony below:

Muggles, witches and wizards alike, may we present the Hogwarts School Choir! #HPCelebration pic.twitter.com/9kQm4Eb8TK

— Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) January 28, 2017

Did you #FollowTheSpiders? Step into the #ForbiddenForest, the latest expansion from @wbtourlondon! https://t.co/uzjzSVP0Tm pic.twitter.com/9EBvYbMPfI

— Pottermore (@pottermore) January 28, 2017

Watch the #FantasticBeasts cast discover their Patronuses now, exclusively on Pottermore! https://t.co/7PCCHFsyrD #ExpectoPatronum pic.twitter.com/ahxlHh3RxR

— Pottermore (@pottermore) January 28, 2017

We hope those attending enjoy the event – send us your photos and updates, we’d love to see your experiences!