HARRY Potter mania gripped Ipswich as hundreds of fans converged at the town's Odeon cinema for a special school's showing of the blockbuster film.Four double-decker buses brought more than 400 children from Sidegate Primary School to see the screen version of J K Rowling's popular book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when it went out on general release yesterday.
HARRY Potter mania gripped Ipswich as hundreds of fans converged at the town's Odeon cinema for a special school's showing of the blockbuster film.
Four double-decker buses brought more than 400 children from Sidegate Primary School to see the screen version of J K Rowling's popular book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when it went out on general release yesterday.
Youngsters, dressed as their favourite characters, arrived clad in flowing black wizard gowns or donned the characteristic spectacles of their 11-year-old hero.
Trip organiser, teacher Karl Pearce said that the primary school was in the grip of Harry Potter mania and that children, parent helpers and teachers alike had been looking forward to the day out with excited anticipation.
"The books have been very successful, the children have adored them," said Potter fan Mr Pearce who has been hooked on the series since his wife passed on the first book to him.
"It's just brilliant to be able to get away from school and do something really fun," he added.
The children aged between seven and eleven took over screen one at the cinema for the 10.30am showing.
Ten-year-old Gilead Walters and his pal Daniel Mitchell were among the first in the queue. "It's interesting because it's a boy the same age as you.
"It gives you a mind that it could be you," said Gilead who has already ploughed through the first three books in the series and is tucking into his fourth.
Daniel added: "I like Fluffy the three headed dog because I like all the ugly things like trolls and things."
Megan Lewis, 10, turned up dressed as Mrs Norris the caretaker's cat and commented: "It's exciting because we are one of the first schools to see it. Many people don't get to see it until the second week or more so we are lucky."
The school extended thanks to Debbie Horlock of the Odeon who said had been a fantastic help in co-ordinating the trip – not bad for a muggle!
WEBLINK
www.odeon.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here