The magical world of Harry Potter enchanted a Norwich bookshop as fans of the boy wizard enjoyed A Night Of Spells.
The event at Waterstones, in Castle Street, was one of many taking place across the world to celebrate Harry Potter Book Night. Looking for spells, catching snitches and finding the Goblet of Fire were among the many activities entertaining fans of the books by JK Rowling.
Ben Richardson, the store's manager, said: 'It's about sharing the love of Harry Potter that everybody has.'
When asked what he thought the enduring appeal of the series was, he said: 'The books are written as if anybody can be a wizard – Harry Potter is taken from the cupboard under the stairs to being a hero wizard.'
Among those enjoying the event was seven-year-old Catriona Gillespie, from Norwich, and her friends Esmée Norton and Edie Kimbley-Shave, both eight. All three of them dressed up as their favourite character, Harry's friend Hermione, who they said they liked because she was clever and the best at spells.
Catriona said: 'I love Harry Potter. I love the scariness.'
Her mum, Helena, 44, said she was also a fan. 'I think there is something in the stories for everybody,' she said.
'There is adventure, there's magic, there's drama and there's humour but she [JK Rowling] doesn't skirt over the tricky things like tragedy.'
Seven-year-old Oren Frazer, from Norwich, was dressed as Harry Potter.
He said: 'I really, really like the books because I like magic and I like the excitement. I'm reading book six at the moment.'
Do you have a Norwich arts story? Email arts correspondent Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk
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