The magic lives on, as the Harry Potter stories come to life for fans, young and old, with the annual Harry Potter Night, which this year has Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as a theme. Here’s some of the ways you can celebrate across Kent...

ASHFORD LIBRARY

Activities run from 6pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, February 1 at the library in Ashford Gateway Plus in Church Road, with crafts and games. Places are free but need to be booked in advance, with activities suitable for children between seven and 11. Call 03000 41 31 31 or email ashfordlibrary@kent.gov.uk.

BLUEWATER WATERSTONES

Witches, wizards and muggles are welcomed to the Harry Potter book night on Thursday, February 1, between 4pm and 6.30pm. Young visitors will be sorted into their Hogwarts house, and take part in a treasure hunt, complete their spellbook and, while stocks last, collect a wand. Fancy dress will be at 4pm, and photos will be shared on the Facebook page, where followers will pick a winner.

CANTERBURY WATERSTONES

The store in Rose Lane, Canterbury holds its themed event at 6.30pm on Thursday, February 1 with a Fantastic Beasts quiz and the chance to compete for the House Cup. Teams can be a maximum of five, and should be ages up to 15. Sign up in store, with entry free, though there will be a collection for the Lumos charity.

FOLKESTONE WATERSTONES

Harry Potter Day at the store in Sandgate Road is between 3pm and 5.30pm on Thursday, February 1 when you can paint your own beastly creature egg and join in plenty of themed games.

MAIDSTONE WATERSTONES

Put on your robes and join in the fourth annual Harry Potter Book Night at the store in Fremlin Walk on Thursday, February 1 between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. There will be spellbinding games and activities to take part in. Entry is free but places need to be reserved as it is expected to be popular. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. To book yours, pop into the store, call 01622 682042 or email maidstone@waterstones.com.

STROOD LIBRARY

The free fun for four to 10-year-olds runs from 4pm to 5pm on Thursday, February 1 at the library in the Community Hub Strood in the High Street. For details call 01634 337799 or visit enjoymedway.org

THANET WATERSTONES

The Westwood Cross store will be celebrating Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Thursday, February 1, with activities suitable for ages seven to 10. There will be prizes for the best costume.

BEASTLY THEMES

For Harry Potter fans, the most magical night of the year – Harry Potter Night – is on Thursday, February 1. Fans of all ages grab their gowns and wands to celebrate J K Rowling’s series, following last year’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

This year the theme is Fantastic Beasts, the original story of mythical creatures, which was made into a film starring Eddie Redmayne last year. The book is available in a new paperback edition.

DO IT YOURSELF

If you can’t make it to an official event for the night, you can download a kit by Wednesday, January 31 at harrypotter.bloomsbury.com. It includes wizarding worksheets, quizzes and other items themed around Fantastic Beasts.
Share your photos on social media using #HarryPotterBookNight!