Calling all Harry Potter fans.
A magical exhibition at Huddersfield Library starts on Friday which includes the first ever showing of rare manuscripts and books as well as drafts and drawings by JK Rowling and illustrator Jim Kay.
Kirklees local connections to magic and folklore will also be showcased with stories of ghosts and witches recorded by local historians as well as images of items from the collections of Kirklees Museums and Galleries and West Yorkshire Archive Service.
There will also be a series of special events as part of the exhibition, which is being run in partnership with the British Library to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone.
The first one of these is a Huddswarts Magic School - a theatre workshop which allows children to pretend to be a young wizard. The event has two sessions but is already at capacity.
Councillor Graham Turner said: “The Harry Potter: A History of Magic display is a wonderful example of partnership working and I’m sure will thrill children, families and adults alike.
"The Harry Potter series of books appeals to adults as well as children so this exhibition is a real family event and everyone who comes to see it will I am sure enjoy it, and take something away from it.”
Here are all the events on offer as well as the exhibition:
Huddswarts Magic School - FULL
Saturday 21 October 10am-12pm (for wizards age 9-12) and 12pm-13:20pm (for wizards age 5-8)
This theatre workshop gives everyone a chance to step into the shoes of a young wizard, share their own magical ideas and work together to build our very own school wizardry and witchcraft…who knows who we will meet! Parents are welcome to stay and join in, or leave children age 8+.
Craft & create Huddersfield School of Magic
Monday 23 October 2pm-4pm and Wednesday 25 October 10am-12pm
What will your chamber look like? Will you create a space for the magical creatures? Or will you design a potions classroom? Where will all the broomsticks be kept? All of the rooms will be magically combined to build a Huddersfield School of Magic.
Bat hunt!
Various dates and locations- visit the website to find your nearest
Explore the local area and hunt for bats with our special detectors that capture bat sounds. The walk will finish with a spine-chilling story outdoors. Please remember to bring a torch and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Age Recommendation: 6+.
Wizard crafts at Tolson Museum
Wednesday 25 October 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
As the British Library’s Harry Potter touring display comes to Huddersfield Library, join us for some wizarding crafts. £2 per child. No need to book.
Magical Creatures with Yorkshire Owl Experience
Saturday 28 October 11am-12pm
Have you ever wondered where owls come from, what they eat or where they live? Maybe you have but have never seen one in person. Well now you can. Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with this magical creature! Age recommendation: 6+.
The exhibition runs until 23 December.
