I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to the Warner Bro’s Studios annual Hogwarts In The Snow press previews night for the last few years (brag over), and to a few of their events when they open a new feature, such as the opening of Privet Drive – and I love it because the Warner Bro studios are magical enough as it is. Add in a touch of Christmas excitement, a light dusting of snow, a few glasses of mulled wine, and a lot of excited fans, bloggers and YouTubers and you’re set for a truly festive and magical evening, the perfect way to set yourself up for a super delicious Christmas! There’s nothing like the doors to the Great Hall opening and seeing the benches made up with Christmas feasts, and all the festive decorations!
This year was a little extra special to me because I had the opportunity to bring along the new boy in my life and it was a really lovely evening out for us. We both took the afternoon off of work and slowly made our way up to Watford for the evening. It was all planned out so well but with the M25 being well, the m25, it took us just under 2 hours to get there – so definitely make sure to allow time to get to the studios if you do decide to visit as although on paper it should be a super simple drive, you just can’t predict those roads!
The premise of the evening is having the opportunity to explore the full studios with no other guests and to see all of the sets, props and of course the castle model, beautifully festive and decorated with snow! I’ve been lucky enough to see the studios grow and grow over the years, adding in Number Four Privet Drive, The Forbidden Forest, Yule Ball Props and various props. I’m not sure what is going to be added next, but I can imagine it being potentially Fantastic Beasts related…
Upon arrival we were greeted with a selection of wines, beers, soft drinks and mince pies and had the chance to mingle for about 30 minutes before being led away to begin the tour. The start of the tour involves 2 short films (about 5-10 minutes each) in 2 separate rooms, before the tour is unveiled. The magic of seeing The Great Hall decked out for Christmas, featuring epic trees never fails to take my breath away just a little bit. After the Great Hall we moved on around the rest of the tour and as always it was really fun to go round the studios alongside someone who hasn’t been before, as it always makes me pay a little more attention and actually spot things I haven’t spotted before.
After about 3/4 of the tour we made our way to the Backlot Cafe where we were treated to a meal and a drink followed by some butter beer for dessert, obvs. I had a falafel burger with chips and prosecco and it was ideal. After we wolfed this down we headed on out to the the Night Bus and Privet Drive before heading to Diagon Alley and to the model of Hogwarts (aka one of my favourite parts of the tour).
We had a super lovely time and as always the opening of Hogwarts In The Snow kicks off the festive season for me, and what better way to do so!
Sophie xx