STAR OF HARRY POTTER FILM SERIES SUPRISES ‘SUPER FANS’ DURING ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIP TO THE CAPITAL
VisitLondon.com reveals the latest ‘Super Fan’ film as part of new tourism drive for the capital, Fans of London
The actor James Phelps, who starred as ‘Fred Weasley’ in the Harry Potter film franchise, has turned a surprise trip to London into a magical experience for a young family of Harry Potter fans.
The Johnson family, from Los Angeles, California, received the once-in-a-lifetime trip to London, and a one-off VIP tour of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter with James Phelps, after the city’s official tourism body, Visitlondon.com identified them as genuine ‘super fans’ of Harry Potter.
Fans of London – devised by Visitlondon.com, celebrates the blockbuster events across London this year including The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, 400 years of Shakespeare’s legacy, and the world’s first exhibition on the Rolling Stones, EXHIBITIONISM.
The Johnson family were selected by Visitlondon.com after an extensive search across the US.
Video highlights of the trip: https://vimeo.com/161005012
Adam (11), Daniel (13), and Victoria Johnson (14) who had never left the United States before their visit to London, have been avid Harry Potter fans for years. “My mum used to read the books to me and my brother and sister even before we were born,” said Harry Potter super fan, Adam Johnson. “When I think of Harry Potter I always think of London. Our trip was so much fun, especially meeting James Phelps - and I really wish I had a real life Firebolt broomstick so that I can fly back to London whenever I want!”
The family also run a successful LA-based charity that helps local children overcome bullying.
James Phelps surprised the Johnson children at the home of the film series, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, which is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the UK release of Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone this year.
Speaking about his day with the Johnsons, James said: "I had such a great time with Adam, Victoria and Daniel, showing them around the film sets, telling them stories about when we shot the films and even teaching them a few magic tricks... it’s easy to see how knowledgeable and passionate they all are about Harry Potter, true super fans!
“London is one of my favourite places in the world and fans of Harry Potter can still enjoy so much of its magic across the city."
Chris Gottlieb, Chief Marketing Officer for London & Partners said: “Fans of London is a true celebration of the blockbuster events in London this year, and these films allows the audience to see London through the eyes of authentic and deserving super fans like the Johnsons.
“Whether you’re a fan of the Royal Family, Harry Potter, Shakespeare, or the Rolling Stones, visitors can find so much of what they love in the capital - and in this case, there’s never been a more exciting year to be a Harry Potter fan in London.”
For the chance to win a trip to London go to www.visitlondon.com/fans
Notes to Editors
The Fans of London initiative, which is supported by the GREAT Britain Campaign, British Airways and Hilton, celebrates the blockbuster events across London this year including The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, 400 years of Shakespeare’s legacy, and the world’s first exhibition on the Rolling Stones, EXHIBITIONISM.
Twitter: #FansofLondon / @visitlondon
IMAGES:
Images of the Johnson family’s trip to London and photos depicting London’s programme of events and anniversaries can be accessed from the following Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5voykrb4xxl6w72/AAB9gEFP4Ga-Oc-IrNzugVbQa?dl=0
Harry Potter activities across the capital:
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Palace Theatre www.harrypottertheplay.com
Officially opens in July 2016, with preview performances from 7 June 2016 - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
- The Harry Potter Shop
At Platform 9 3/4
Kings Cross Station
For More Information Contact: Julian Fisher, +44 (0)20 7253 8888, Julian.Fisher@markettiers.com or Michele Wallace, mwallace@megamediaworldwide.com, 917-741-5147
About London & Partners
London & Partners is the official promotional company for London. We promote London and attract businesses, events, congresses, students and visitors to the capital. Our aims are to build London’s international reputation and to attract investment and visitor spend, which create jobs and growth.
London & Partners is a not-for-profit public private partnership, funded by the Mayor of London and our network of commercial partners. For more information visit www.londonandpartners.com
About British Airways - campaign partners of Visitlondon.com
British Airways, part of International Airlines Group, is one of the world's leading global premium airlines and the largest international carrier in the UK. The carrier has its home base at London Heathrow, the world's busiest international airport, and flies to more than 190 destinations in 80 countries. British Airways has a fleet of more than 280 aircraft, including the A380 and 787. The airline carries more than 40 million customers a year. www.ba.com
About Hilton Worldwide - campaign partners of Visitlondon.com
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, comprised of more than 4,600 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with more than 758,000 rooms in 100 countries and territories. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn, and Instagram. www.hilton.com and www.hiltonfansoflondon.com
About the GREAT Britain campaign
The GREAT Britain campaign is the Government’s most ambitious international marketing campaign ever and showcases the very best of what our whole nation has to offer in order to encourage the world to visit, study and do business with the UK. It is active in over 144 countries. The campaign has delivered £1.5bn to the UK economy to date.
The campaign brings together the work of UK Trade & Investment, VisitBritain, British Council, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and other government departments as well as hundreds of private sector companies. All work closely together to deliver jobs and growth across all parts of the UK. In 2015, the campaign supported over 1,100 separate events and activities in around 193 locations worldwide.