Little wizards flock to St Helens' Harry Potter Book Night

Now in its eighth year, the event is celebrated in schools, libraries and bookshops right across the world.

About 120 people attended the event at the museum on Chalon Way during the course of the night.

This year's theme was ‘Magical Journey’ to recognise the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Visitors were sorted into their Hogwarts Houses by the library’s very own Sorting Hat before entering the library through Platform 9 ¾.

There they could enjoy a number of activities and shows such as wizard-themed arts and crafts.

There was also a menagerie of animals – including owls, snakes and spiders, courtesy of Animals Takeover. 

Families explored the museum as they went on a Harry Potter clue hunt, taking in the museum’s very own Diagon Alley complete with a life-size wizard and Ollivander’s wand shop.

The café served up Harry Potter-themed treats like Butter Beer. 

As visitors were encouraged to wear fancy dress for the occasions, there were a number of excellent entries on show, including a Moaning Myrtle and Dobby, worn by Landon, who was awarded best costume, winning a Harry Potter book for his efforts. 

St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for wellbeing, culture and heritage, Anthony Burns said:   “It was great to be invited down to support such a fantastic event held in collaboration with our Library Service and The World of Glass who really pulled out the stops to make the evening the success that it was. 

“To see the turnout and all the families that attended having such a wonderful time together was an amazing sight after the two years we’ve all been though, and the feedback staff received was outstanding.  

“This event proved that spaces like libraries and quality visitor attractions we have here in St Helens like The World of Glass are great places for families to spend time together and we look forward to holding more events like this in the future.”