Potter fans flock to opening of f ilm studios

THOUSANDS of Harry Potter fans turned out yesterday for the opening of the studios where the blockbuster film series was shot.

Stars including Rupert Grint, Tom Felton and Bonnie Wright also attended the multi- million-pound Warner Brothers Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter.

Studio bosses described the attraction, at Leavesden, near Watford, Hertfordshire, where all eight films were made, as the “ultimate opportunity” for fans of JK Rowling’s magical stories about the Hogwarts school for wizards to enter the sets of their favourite movies.

The three-hour walking tour’s attractions include the original Great Hall of Hogwarts School, built for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The hall features graffiti by Hogwarts’ pupils, solid oak and pine house tables which were built for the films, and York stone flooring laid more than 11 years ago.

People can ride on the famous broomsticks and visitors will also see close-ups of the costumes, animatronics, special effects and props seen by millions on TV and movie screens worldwide.