The first Harry Potter Weekend in Debrecen is dedicated to the promotion of reading, and is open to all age groups with a variety of colourful programmes between 23 and 25 February, the organizers at the mini-festival’s press briefing announced on Monday.
Main organizer Norbert Némethy-Szilágyi stated that the primary mission of the local community-driven Harry Potter Weekend is
to bring young people closer to the world of reading and books.
Over the course of three days, attendees can expect 36 programmes across seven locations, offering cinema experiences, Slam Poetry nights, and enchantment-themed tastings inspired by the Harry Potter universe. Those fascinated by the costumes of the characters of the well-known series will not be disappointed either, Némethy-Szilágyi emphasized.
Manager of the Apollo Cinema Tamás Fejér added that they curated experiences for both children and adults, ensuring that there is something for everyone ‘from 3 to 112 years old.’ He emphasized the festival’s important message, highlighting that it is made possible through the collaboration of Debrecen’s communities and hospitality venues.
Fejér shared details about the Apollo Cinema’s pivotal role in the festival. The first four films of the Harry Potter series will be screened at the theatre, the first one in English. An audience meet-and-greet is planned with the Hungarian voice of Harry, Ádám Gacsal, while graphic artist–cartoonist Viktor Kostyál will magically transform anyone into a Hogwarts student in no time at the cinema’s reception area. Additionally, alongside numerous quiz games, there will even be an owl-petting space at the cinema.
The Debrecen German Cultural Forum, serving as a cultural hub, will host Harry Potter-themed painting activities for children and wine tastings for adults during the festival’s three days, as mentioned by Andrea Horváth, the forum’s president. Furthermore, local bookstore Pagony will organize wand-making craft workshops and interactive storytelling sessions for children, store manager Zsuzsa Végh added.
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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/MTI
