After three years of waiting, we learned last month that the Wizarding World wand installation that we fell in love with back in 2018 will finally be making its triumphant return. To celebrate the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, the installation launched its four-city tour across England on March 2 in Queen Victoria Square in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire.
The opening celebrations began with a wand-training class led by Paul Harris, the wand choreographer responsible for the wizarding duels featured in Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, for children from St. Michael’s Youth Project and St Cuthberts Scout Group. It must have been a real treat to learn how to properly wield your wand. And as the sun started to set, it was nine-year-old super fan Brandon who got the opportunity to switch on the lights with Lord Mayor Councillor Lynn Petrini and Paul Harris.
Originally debuting in 2018 to promote the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, the installation consists of nine 15-foot-tall wands that illuminate at the tips every evening, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. While the wands make a beautiful photo opportunity on their own for any Potter fan to snap up some great shots for social media, there will be more to see and experience. The installation itself is illuminated, but a light show set to the music from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies will play every half hour. A light show using the tips of nine giant wands set to Potter music? What more could you ask for in an evening?
After debuting in London almost four years ago, it was announced that the installation will go on tour to celebrate the release of the third of Fantastic Beasts movie, and fans got to vote on which cities they’d like to see it visit. Since Kingston upon Hull received the most votes, it was chosen as the location for the kickoff, where the wands will remain until March 8, when the wands will travel to their next destination to be put up for display for seven days. You can check out the rest of the tour below:
- March 11–17 – Birmingham, the Bullring
- March 21–27 – Stoke-on-Trent, Smithfield
- March 30–April 5 – Reading, the Oracle Shopping Centre
In case you were wondering, the wands on display belong to Newt Scamander, Tina Goldstein, Queenie Goldstein, Gellert Grindelwald, Voldemort, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter, with the last one being the Elder Wand.
Which stop will you be attending? Which wand are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments. If you make it out to see the installation, be sure to tag us in any photos on Instagram.
Press Release
WIZARDING WORLD WAND INSTALLATION LIGHTS UP HULL
- Hull has kicked off the dazzling Wizarding World [w]ands tour in the buildup to the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, in cinemas on 8th April 2022.
- The launch saw [a] local fan switching on the lights for the first stop of the UK tour, alongside Lord Mayor Lynn Petrini
- Celebrations also included wand training with Paul Harris, wand choreographer from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and a projection lighting up the City Hall.
- Installation consists of nine 15ft-tall [sic] wands representing nine beloved characters from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films
- The wands will be available to visit in Queen Victoria Square from now until the 8th March, before departing to Birmingham, then Stoke-on-Trent and finally Reading, being displayed in each location for seven magical days
2nd March 2022 – Hundreds gathered in the historic Queen Victoria Square today to witness the launch of the stunning Wizarding World [w]and installation in Hull, in celebration of the upcoming release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. Yorkshire Wizarding World fans of all ages were able to witness the beautiful light display and music that marked the start of the highly anticipated tour and were delighted with additional projections on the historic City Hall building.
The launch celebrations were kicked off with a dynamic wand training class, led by wand choreographer Paul Harris, for local children from St. Michael's Youth Project and St Cuthberts Scout Organisation. The festivities continued with lucky local fan Brandon, aged 9, given the opportunity to switch on the lights alongside Lord Mayor Cllr Lynn Petrini and Paul Harris.
Mother of super fan Brandon and Wizarding World super fan Laura Mohammed Inglis says, “Our family have always been big Wizarding World fans, so for him to have the opportunity to turn on the wand lights was so exciting for him; he won’t ever forget it. He had this date in his calendar for weeks and was so happy to get all dressed up. It’s just so lovely to see everyone come together, and we didn’t want to miss out on something that is so great for our community.”
Standing 15 feet tall and set in concrete bases, the nine wands – representing those belonging to some of the favourite characters in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films – will be illuminated every evening from 6:30 [to] 10:30 pm, from today until 8th March. Adding to the spectacle, every half hour during that time, the wands will perform light shows, set to thrilling music from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts.
The four chosen cities -- Hull, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Reading -- were voted for by the public and will each host the exciting installation for seven days. Hull, which received the most public votes, launched the tour and will be followed by Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and ending in Reading. The full dates and locations for the remainder of the tour are:
- Birmingham, the Bullring - 11th - 17th March
- Stoke-on-Trent, Smithfield - 21st - 27th March
- Reading, [t]he Oracle Shopping Centre - 30th March - 5th April
Councillor Rosemary Pantelakis, Portfolio Holder for Culture, said, “I’m delighted to see this incredible tour kicking off in Hull, and Queen Victoria Square provides the perfect backdrop for the Wizarding World [w]and display.
“After topping the national public vote on where the wands will travel to, and being one of only four locations in the country lucky enough to be playing host, it’s fantastic to see the people of Hull coming in their droves to experience this magical installation.”
UPDATE (March 12):
The wand installation is now at the Bullring in Birmingham, its second tour stop, where it will stay until March 17. On the evening of March 11, choreographer Paul Harris gave wand training to young fans from Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. The installation was then opened by two of the local fans, Thea Bogue, age 9, and Lillie Parfitt, age 3, with Thea switching on the lights.
Thea’s mom said, “We are so excited to be here today; Thea had no idea she would be chosen to be up here. It’s her birthday today, so this is definitely the best birthday present ever. I’m just so pleased I could see Thea and Lillie’s little faces; it’s just so lovely. They are both big fans of the Wizarding World and love the movies!”
Press Release
WIZARDING WORLD WAND INSTALLATION LIGHTS UP BIRMINGHAM
- Birmingham has celebrated the second stop of the dazzling Wizarding World [w]ands tour in the buildup to the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, in cinemas on 8th April 2022.
- The launch saw local super fans officially opening the installation for the second stop of the UK tour.
- Celebrations also included wand training with Paul Harris, wand choreographer from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Installation consists of nine 15ft-tall [sic] wands representing nine beloved characters from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films
- The wands will be available to visit at the Bullring from now until the 17th March, before departing to Stoke-on-Trent and finally Reading, being displayed in each location for seven magical days.
11th March 2022 – Hundreds gathered in the iconic Bullring today to witness the launch of the stunning Wizarding World [w]and installation in Birmingham, in celebration of the upcoming release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
West Midlands Wizarding World fans of all ages were able to witness the beautiful wands lit up for the second stop of the highly anticipated tour and were delighted with on[-]the[-]spot prizes to selected fans wearing costumes.
The launch celebrations were kicked-off [sic] with a dynamic wand training class, led by wand choreographer Paul Harris, for local children from Birmingham Womens [sic] and Childrens [sic] Hospital. The festivities continued with lucky local fans Thea Bogue, 9, and Lillie Parfitt, 3 being given the opportunity to open the installation for the public to enjoy.
Wizarding World fan and mum of Thea (9) said, “We are so excited to be here today; Thea had no idea she would be chosen to be up here. It’s her birthday today, so this is definitely the best birthday present ever. I’m just so pleased I could see Thea and Lillie’s little faces; it’s just so lovely. They are both big fans of the Wizarding World and love the movies!”
Standing 15 feet tall and set in concrete bases, the nine wands – representing those belonging to some of the favourite characters in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films – will be illuminated every evening from 6:30 [to] 10:30 pm, from today until 17th March. Adding to the spectacle, every half hour during that time, the wands will perform light shows, set to thrilling music from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts.
The four chosen cities - Hull, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Reading - were voted for by the public and will each host the exciting installation for seven days. Hull, which received the most public votes, launched the tour and was followed by Birmingham. Next on the tour will be Stoke-on-Trent before concluding the tour in Reading. The full dates and locations for the remainder of the tour are:
- Stoke-on-Trent, Smithfield - 21st - 27th March
- Reading, [t]he Oracle Shopping Centre - 30th March - 5th April
UPDATE (April 3):
After a week-long stint in Smithfield, Stoke-on-Trent, in Staffordshire, England, the Wizarding World wand installation made its way to its last stop at the Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading, Berkshire. On March 30, hundreds of Potter fans gathered to witness the installation’s final launch, where nine-year-old Faith Choules got the chance to ignite the wands with Deputy Mayor Ayo Sokale.
In an incredibly sweet move by her father, Julian, Faith was brought to the launch as a surprise. Julian elaborated on Faith’s love of the Wizarding World:
Faith has been the biggest fan since she started watching the films – she is obsessed with them. She’s seen the first Fantastic Beasts film, and we can’t wait to see the new one. She didn’t actually know I was bringing her here tonight, so this has been the best surprise.
In an evening full of surprises, the congregation of Wizarding World fans was treated to a breathtaking surprise pyrotechnic display to commemorate the last launch of the tour.
Like the previous launches, fans got the opportunity to win prizes, and wand choreographer Paul Harris led a wand-training class for the local youngsters.
The installation will remain in Reading until April 5. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore will hit theaters on April 8 in the United Kingdom and April 15 in the United States.
Press Release
WIZARDING WORLD WAND INSTALLATION LIGHTS UP READING FOR FINAL STOP OF TOUR
- Reading has launched the fourth and final stop of the dazzling Wizarding World [w]ands tour in the buildup to the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, in cinemas on 8th April 2022.
- The launch saw [a] local fan switching on the lights for the fourth stop of the UK tour, alongside Deputy Mayor Ayo Sokale.
- Celebrations also included wand training with Paul Harris, wand choreographer from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and [a] fire display.
- Installation consists of nine 15ft-tall [sic] wands representing nine beloved characters from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films
- The wands will be available to visit at the Oracle Shopping Centre from now until the 5th April, being displayed for seven magical days.
30th March 2022 – Hundreds gathered this evening at Reading’s Oracle Shopping Centre today to witness the final launch of the stunning Wizarding World [w]and installation tour in celebration of the upcoming release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. Berkshire Wizarding World fans of all ages were able to witness the beautiful light display and music that marked the start of the highly anticipated tour and were delighted with on[-]the[-]spot prizes to selected fans wearing costumes and a surprise pyrotechnic display.
The launch celebrations were kicked-off [sic] with a dynamic wand training class, led by wand choreographer Paul Harris, for local children. The festivities continued with a lucky local fan, Faith Choules, aged 9, being given the opportunity to switch on the lights alongside Deputy Mayor Ayo Sokale.
Julian Choules, dad of Faith, said “Faith has been the biggest fan since she started watching the films - she is obsessed with them. She’s seen the first Fantastic Beasts film, and we can’t wait to see the new one. She didn’t actually know I was bringing her here tonight, so this has been the best surprise.”
Standing 15 feet tall and set in concrete bases, the nine wands – representing those belonging to some of the favourite characters in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films – will be illuminated every evening from 6:30 [to] 10:30 pm, from today until 5th April. Adding to the spectacle, every half hour during that time, the wands will perform light shows, set to thrilling music from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts.
The four chosen cities - Hull, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Reading - were voted for by the public and will each host the exciting installation for seven days. Hull, which received the most public votes, launched the tour and was followed by Birmingham and [S]toke-on-Trent. Reading is the fourth and final stop, concluding the magical tour that has been enjoyed by thousands of Wizarding World fans across the UK.
Andy Briggs, general manager of [t]he Oracle, said, “We are delighted to welcome the Wizarding World [w]ands to [t]he Oracle in Reading, as one of four locations voted for by the public. The wands are bringing a little magic to [t]he Riverside until 5th April, and we encourage all of the Muggle community to come down and see them whilst they are here. Put on your best fancy dress, bring your friends and share your photos with us.”
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