Hundreds of Harry Potter fans descended on King’s Cross station in London today to mark what would be the first day back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
While train strikes have severely affected services, with 13 operators shut down all day, the Hogwarts Express was running on time.
Fans gathered in the station to look at the signs for the 11am train to Hogsmeade – leaving of course from Platform 9 3/4.
And one couple of wizarding fans seemed very excited as they got engaged in front of huge crowds.
Adorable photos show Manish proposing to his girlfriend Pavneet, before slipping the ring on her finger.
One couple of wizarding fans seemed very excited as they got engaged in front of huge crowds
Adorable photos show Manish proposing to his girlfriend Pavneet, before slipping the ring on her finger
Hundreds of Harry Potter fans descended on King’s Cross station in London today to mark what would be the first day back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
While train strikes have severely affected services, with 13 operators shut down all day, the Hogwarts Express was running on time. A fan is pictured at Platform 9 3/4
Hogwarts traditionally opens its doors every year on September 1 and is celebrated with a Back To Hogwarts Day
Hogwarts traditionally opens its doors every year on September 1 and is celebrated with a Back To Hogwarts Day.
Fans gather at the busy London transport hub to recreate the scene of students pushing through the wall to the hidden Platform 9 and 3/4 where the Hogwarts Express train waits.
Harry Potter superfans arrived at the station for the communal countdown to the famous train’s 11am journey.
Fans young and old put on their Hogwarts uniform and capes – with many wearing Harry Potter style glasses.
Others opted for scarves from their favourite Hogwarts houses, while some even dressed up as Dobby and other creatures from the seven-book series.
Fans gather at the busy London transport hub to recreate the scene of students pushing through the wall to the hidden Platform 9 and 3/4 where the Hogwarts Express train waits
One fan opted for individualised crocs with a snitch and 93/4 on
Others opted for scarves from their favourite Hogwarts houses, while some even dressed up as Dobby and other creatures from the seven-book series
Celebrity super fans, including Sam Thompson, were also in attendance
Made in Chelsea’s Sam Thompson opted for a Hufflepuff T-shirt
Young fans opted for Harry Potter style glasses
Celebrity super fans, including Sam Thompson, were also in attendance.
It comes as today’s 24-hour walkout by Aslef train drivers is severely affecting services, with 13 operators such as Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Thameslink and TransPennine Express shut down all day.
Many of the companies that are running trains have reduced timetables, starting later and finishing earlier than usual. Meanwhile, the Circle Line is shut due to a shortage of drivers resulting from the strike.
While many trains were cancelled, the Hogsmeade express was running on time
Some fans opted for the Harry Potter scar drawn onto their face
In January, members of Aslef’s executive committee rejected a 4 per cent increase to train drivers’ base pay backdated to the start of 2022 and a 4pc rise in 2023. This would have represented an average increase of £5,000.
The average train driver’s salary is now £60,055 – up from £44,985 ten years ago – with a fifth of train drivers on £70,000 or more. These amounts do not include overtime, rest-day working and other allowances for doing unsociable hours. The average UK salary is £31,876.
This morning, photos showed usually bustling stations have been left almost totally deserted. Meanwhile, the Circle Line in London has been suspended all day – with Transport for London blaming a shortage of drivers due to the rail strikes.
Dobby – the beloved House Elf – was a popular costume choice
Fans young and old gathered to watch the the Hogwarts Express sign arrive
Fans were keen to take pictures of the sign
Speaking at Euston station, commuter Rohan Shukla, 26, from Watford, said: ‘I am travelling to Watford Junction so if there’s a direct train then it would take me about 20 minutes from here, whereas today it takes just less than an hour, which on a working day I think that’s completely appalling.
‘We all want to be paid more, we are all humans after all but I think there are better ways of going about it than such frequency of strikes. My problem isn’t against strikes but the frequency.
‘I understand where they are coming from but think it has gone too far now, every other week you are not sure if you are going to reach work on time because of a potential strike date.
‘I think my message (to the striking unions) would be to have some sympathy towards the public, you’ve made your point.’