‘Harry Potter’: Platform 9 3/4 Trolley to Tour the UK for 20 Year Anniversary
It’s hard to believe Harry Potter and his Hogwarts friends boarded the train from Platform 9 3/4 20 years ago. The United Kingdom is celebrating with a little extra flair. The Platform 9 3/4 Trolley at Kings Cross Station tour the UK for witches, wizards, and even Muggles to see.
Origins of the Platform 9 3/4 Trolley in Harry Potter
Fans of Harry Potter know the famous portal between platforms 9 and 10 at Kings Cross Station in London.
It serves as one of the many magical portals between the wizarding world and the ‘Muggle’ world, or the normal human world to those unfamiliar with the lingo.
The world was first introduced to this passage when JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone released in 1997 (or the Sorcerer’s Stone for American audiences).
However, fans across the pond might not know the real Kings Cross Station has a tribute to Platform 9 3/4.
While it has moved around over the years, the Platform 9 3/4 Trolley has remained a popular photo-op for years.
The Platform 9 3/4 Trolley at Kings Cross Station
The original installation went up in 1999 and consisted of a cast-iron plaque reading Platform 9 3/4. Underneath it was a luggage trolley — part of one, at least. The other half already passed through the magical barrier.
Apparently, the wizarding world has the same issue as Walmart parking lots.
However, in 2012, it relocated and changed its look. Now including a birdcage and new luggage, it situated itself next to a Harry Potter shop.
To celebrate the 20 year anniversary of the first Harry Potter hitting theaters, the Platform 9 3/4 Trolley will be taking a trip of its own.
A replica of the trolley will tour the UK appearing at various train stations, providing even more witches and wizards an opportunity to see the famous half-luggage cart.
MuggleNet reports the start of its travel schedule. “The trolley leaves its home in London on October 16, traveling all the way to Edinburgh Waverly Station for a short, two-day vacation.”
Next, it heads to Birmingham New Street Station on October 23, the trolley then “sets off again on October 25, heading to Cardiff Central Station ready on October 26. After that, the trolley will journey over the sea to Northern Ireland, finishing its tour at Belfast Lanyon Place Station between October 29 and October 31.”
Other Harry Potter 20th anniversary celebrations
The Platform 9 3/4 Trolley touring the UK will not be the only celebration event for Harry Potter.
Lego released special builds and golden Minifigures of the main trio and other characters.
Draco Malfoy’s Tom Felton made a special appearance in the ‘Back to Hogwarts’ Livestream on the Wizarding World Youtube channel.
In terms of future films from the Harry Potter world, the currently untitled Fantastic Beasts 3 continues progressing.
With a planned fourth and fifth entry, fans can be certain adventures in the wizarding world and real world will continue for a long time.
