Expo Patronum! Fans attend Harry Potter convention at ExCel

By Seema Hakim | Newham Recorder

Excited Harry Potter enthusiasts came together over the weekend to get a special taste of the magical wizarding world.

Expo Patronum, organised by US-based fansite MuggleNet Live, aimed to bring cast members and fans together to celebrate the entire Potter series.

The first fan-based convention, held at the London ExCeL Centre, in Custom House, invited fans to take part in question and answer sessions with actors including Warwick Davis (who played Filius Flitwick) and Alfie Enoch (who played Hogwarts student Dean Thomas).

Fans also had a chance to take part in a wand choreography session.

Claire Furner, from MuggleNet Live, said the day went “amazingly well”.

She added: “Attendees and talent alike seemed to enjoy the intimacy of the whole affair and have been nothing but positive over on social media after the event.”

Many of the 200 fans dressed up as their favourite characters for the day.

Claire added: “The aim was bring fans together.

“We wanted to celebrate the Harry Potter fandom as it currently stands – seven books, eight films and millions of fans still incredible passionate for this story.”

During the day, money was also raised for Lumos, a charity set up by Harry Potter author, J.K Rowling, which aims to help millions of children around the world.