It is, quite simply, the biggest premiere we've ever seen in London town. Thousands of people packed Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square last night for the premiere of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, as the finale of the biggest film series ever was unveiled to the world.
brightcove.createExperiences();The red carpet stretched for nearly a mile in total, looping around both Squares and the streets inbetween. The stars signed autographs for hours while attendees made their way past Olivander's Wand Shop, a collection of owls and a posse of Death Eaters to get to the three screens showing the film in all its 3D glory.
The stars, meanwhile, were effusive in their appreciation of the fans, the films and each other, with Emma Watson, JK Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe in particular reducing each other to tears with their mutual affection. Frankly, it would have taken a hard heart not to shed a tear as the cast and crew faced the end of an era.
The film itself drew applause, gasps and whistles at key moments, but then this was a partial crowd. You can see the results for yourself when Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 opens next Friday (July 15) or read Empire's review here. Meantime, if you're looking for a slice of that premiere glamour, you can still order our Harry Potter issue and supplement online here{