A Harry Potter Celebration at Central Library

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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A Harry Potter Celebration

4 February 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Read Manchester
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Raid your wardrobes for your finest Hogwarts threads as Central Library celebrate Harry Potter Book Day this weekend with an afternoon of wizarding wonder as part of the city’s Read Manchester campaign.  Although tickets to pre-bookable workshops flew out in no time like a drove of Nimbus 2000 broomsticks, a myriad of drop-in magical activities will keep both diehard and new Harry Potter fans out of trouble.

We can’t wait to feast our eyes on the transformation of Central Library’s Wolfson Reading Room into Hogwarts’ Great Hall. See live owls and flying displays (to manage expectations  – this will be by the owls not witches and wizards), be sorted by the Sorting Hat, get involved in Harry Potter storytelling and a Harry Potter quiz. There is even the chance to meet and take a selfie with Dumbledore and HP in person.  Magic indeed.

Where to go near A Harry Potter Celebration at Central Library

St Peters Square Manchester
City Centre
St Peter’s Square

St Peter’s Square is a public space in Manchester – home to the city’s iconic library, town hall, Pankhurst statue, art gallery and famous Midland Hotel.

Manchester Art Gallery. Photo by Andrew Brooks
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Manchester Art Gallery

The Charles Barry-designed, Grade I-listed Manchester Art Gallery is one of the city’s leading galleries and is back open for visitors once more.

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Ban Di Bul

Ban Di Bul is a longstanding Korean restaurant in the very centre of Manchester.

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The Alan

This high-end city-centre restaurant has an excellent afternoon tea option that more than matches up to the superb main menu.

Salut Wines
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Salut Wines

Salut wines pride themselves in offering “wider horizons beyond the safe choices.” With 42 wines by the glass and a regularly changing selection of bottles in their Enomatic wine preservation machines (or  “wine jukebox,” as they’re colloquially known), this is one of be best bars in Manchester for exploring new vintages.

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Friska

Latest branch of Friska, the independent healthy fast food chain.

Manchester
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Don Giovanni

Traditional Italian restaurant, serving everything from pizza to steak. All this in a large modern venue with floor-to-ceiling windows.

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Summery bakes, seasonal salads and fresh light meals at Manchester Art Gallery’s in-house café, courtesy of highly-regarded Head Chef Matthew Taylor.

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Manchester Town Hall

Re-opening in 2024, Manchester Town Hall is a monument to Victorian Manchester’s ambition, and one of the city’s most-loved landmarks.

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Albert Square

A public square in the heart of Manchester which plays hosts to festivals and major events. Home to the Albert Memorial and statues of Bishop James Fraser, John Bright, Oliver Heywood and William Ewart Gladstone.

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