In London today, King’s Cross station was filled with hundreds of dedicated Harry Potter fans, all eager to celebrate what would have been the first day back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Despite the train strikes that had shut down services for the day, the Hogwarts Express was running smoothly and on time. The fans gathered around Platform 9 3/4, where they could see signs for the 11am train to Hogsmeade. In the midst of the excitement, one couple of wizarding fans stole the show by getting engaged in front of the massive crowd. The heartwarming photos captured the moment Manish proposed to his girlfriend Pavneet, sliding the ring onto her finger.
Every year on September 1st, Hogwarts traditionally opens its doors and to honor this special occasion, fans gather at King’s Cross station. They recreate the iconic scene of students pushing through the wall to reach the hidden Platform 9 and 3/4, where the Hogwarts Express awaits. This Back To Hogwarts Day is a beloved celebration embraced by Harry Potter superfans of all ages. Many attendees don their Hogwarts uniforms and capes, with some even sporting Harry Potter-style glasses. It’s not uncommon to see fans wearing scarves representing their favorite Hogwarts houses or dressing up as beloved characters like Dobby and other creatures from the beloved book series. Even celebrity super fans, such as Sam Thompson from Made in Chelsea, joined in the festivities, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the train strikes had a significant impact on transportation services for the day. Thirteen operators, including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Thameslink, and TransPennine Express, had to shut down completely. The strikes caused many trains to be canceled or operate on reduced timetables. The Circle Line was also suspended due to a shortage of drivers. However, amidst all the disruptions, the Hogwarts Express remained unaffected, running as scheduled. Its reliability delighted the Harry Potter fans, who were able to enjoy their magical journey without any hitches.
In January, Aslef’s executive committee rejected a proposed 4% increase to train drivers’ base pay for 2022, as well as a 4% rise for 2023. The average salary for train drivers has risen to £60,055, a significant increase from £44,985 a decade ago. Approximately one-fifth of train drivers now earn £70,000 or more, excluding overtime and other allowances. These high salaries have sparked debates about fair compensation.
The train strikes and their frequency have caused great inconvenience for commuters like Rohan Shukla, a 26-year-old from Watford. He expressed his frustrations, emphasizing the need for better ways to address the issue without disrupting the lives of the general public. While he understands the unions’ perspective, he believes that the strikes have gone too far and hopes for more consideration for the commuters.
Despite the challenges posed by the strikes, Harry Potter fans at King’s Cross station persevered in their celebration. Their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for the wizarding world truly made the day magical.
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