[NOTD] News Of The Day 31/05/07

Universal Studios to Open HP Theme Park

Universal Studios and Warner Brothers made a joint announcement this evening from Leavesden Studios on the set of Dumbledore's Office to reveal that a Harry Potter theme park is currently in development.

This new theme park will include facets such as a Hogsmeade section, the Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts Castle where you will actually be able to walk inside a replication of the beloved castle.

J.K. Rowling is described as having been "very involved" in the creating and planning of this park since the begining, and is very supportive of this new park.

There will be many types of rides some "intense", shopping, and more, as well as a brand new state of the art attraction.

A "British" environment is to be maintained, including the food served, and mannerisms of the staff.

The park is aimed at fans of both the movies and books, geared for fans of ages or as they said " 7 to 67"

Will incorporate elements of all the Harry Potter novels, books one through seven.

The public can register for email alerts via this link.

OotP to screen at Childrens Film Festival in Italy

For the first time a Harry Potter film is due to open a film festival, as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is scheduled to open the Giffoni Film Festival July 12 in Giffoni, Italy. This film festival, which is the largest children's film festival in Europe, takes place July 12 through July 21.

For more information about this film festival, click here.

JKR to appear on BBC's Blue Peter show, Contest to win seats on taping of show.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling is due to appear on the BBC show "Blue Peter" and there is a new competition today for lucky fans to win a chance to attend the taping of this program. The show is due to be taped on July 5 in London, England with 25 winners selected (open to UK residents 14 years and younger at the closing date of June 15) who will also win a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. According to the website, the manner of entry for this contest is as follows:

1) On a piece of A4 paper, write a question that you have always wanted to ask J.K Rowling. Make the question as original as possible, something that she is unlikely to have been asked before.


2) On the other side of the paper, draw a self-portrait of yourself, but as a witch or a wizard!
Harry Potter.

3) Please include a recent photo of yourself, as well as your full name, age, date of birth, phone number, and address.

4) Post your entry to:

Harry Potter Competition
PO Box 20
London
W12 6BP