There was a time when receiving a letter in the post felt like it could genuinely change your life. As a Harry Potter fan, IYKYK.
For many of us who grew up watching Harry, Ron and Hermione head off to Hogwarts each year, there was a small part of us that genuinely believed our own acceptance letter might one day arrive. Forget regular muggle school — we were ready for potions, Quidditch and a wand of our very own.
And while an owl probably isn’t going to swoop into your backyard with an invitation to Hogwarts anytime soon, Sydney is about to get a rather magical taste of the wizarding world.
To celebrate Back to Hogwarts Day, HBO Max is bringing the Harry Potter Owl Post Experience to Sydney, transforming the historic Sydney Australia Post into an enchanting slice of the wizarding world for one weekend only.
Taking place this weekend on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, the free experience will invite witches, wizards and muggles alike to step inside and get creative with some very Hogwarts-inspired letter writing.
Visitors can put quill to paper, seal their letters with wax and send their very own enchanted messages on their way — which feels like a pretty magical upgrade from an ordinary trip to the post office.
“For Harry Potter fans, few moments are as special as receiving a letter from Hogwarts,” Sasha Mackie, Senior Director, Marketing at Warner Bros. Discovery, Australia and New Zealand, says.
And naturally, there’s a photo opportunity involved.
Inspired by one of the most memorable moments from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, a ‘letter swarm’ installation will see Hogwarts letters suspended in the air, creating the perfect backdrop for fans to recreate Harry’s attempt to catch his own elusive acceptance letter.
The experience is also a celebration of something that feels increasingly nostalgic in our digital-first world: the humble handwritten letter.
“We’re delighted to partner with HBO Max to bring a touch of magic to one of Australia Post’s most iconic locations,” Josh Bannister, Executive General Manager, Retail, Brand & Marketing at Australia Post, says. “The Owl Post Experience celebrates the joy of connection and the timeless tradition of letter writing.”
The experience will be open from 11am to 5pm on both days at Australia Post Sydney GPO, 1 Martin Place, Sydney.
Can’t make it to Sydney? Australia Post will also have a downloadable Harry Potter-inspired letter-writing template available online, so muggles across Australia can get in on the magic from home.
The activation arrives ahead of Back to Hogwarts Day on September 1, the day fans around the world celebrate students returning to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
And there’s even more magic on the horizon, with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone returning to Australian cinemas for its 25th anniversary, with limited-time screenings and 12 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage that will be shown on cinema screens for the first time.
As for the upcoming HBO Original Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone series? It’s set to debut this Christmas, exclusively on HBO Max.
What to know about The Owl Post Experience:
When: Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 from 11am to 5pm
Where: Australia Post, Sydney GPO, 1 Martin Place, Sydney
Cost: Free
Celebrate Back to Hogwarts Day by penning an enchanted letter and sharing adventures with family, friends, and fellow fans across Australia.
Looking for more info? Read everything you need to know ahead of Back to Hogwarts Day here.
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