Potter Lookalikes visit Steam Star
10 Aug 2010
Visitors on Monday were mystified to see ‘Hedwig’ and ‘Hippogriff’ lookalikes paying a visit to Hogwarts Castle, which is on display at Yorkshire’s No.1 attraction throughout the summer holidays.
The Snowy Owl and Martial Eagle were visiting the steam star of the Harry Potter films in advance of the NRM’s upcoming Wizard Weekend (14 & 15 August). The birds which look strikingly like Harry Potter’s owl and the head of the Hippogriff were visiting from the Birds of Prey and Conservation Centre at Sion Hill Hall. During the Wizard Weekend, the spectacular birds will be joined by an array of performing wizard characters that ‘Harry Potter’ fans may just recognise!
As a special treat for Hogwarts fans, on Sunday 15th August from 10am to 1pm, Matthew Lewis, the actor who plays Neville Longbottom in the smash hit films, will be making a special appearance alongside Hogwarts Castle. One lucky competition winner will be given the opportunity to interview Matthew while he’s at the Museum and their interview will then be featured on the National Railway Museum website. They will also be given a DVD of the interview as a keepsake and an NRM goodie bag to take home. To be in with the chance of winning this once in a lifetime experience, please visit www.nrm.org.uk/wizardweekend. *
For more information contact:
Gemma Sneyd, PR & Communications Officer, NRM
01904 686271
gemma.sneyd@nrm.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
• *The closing date for the Matthew Lewis interview competition is 12noon on Friday 13 August 2010. Winners must be able to get to the National Railway Museum for 10am on Sunday 15 August. Other terms and conditions apply, please see www.nrm.org.uk/wizardweekend for more details.
• From 9-22 August, the National Railway Museum will remain open until 7pm, instead of the usual 6pm, to allow visitors more time to enjoy the Museum’s jam packed schedule.
• The National Railway Museum (NRM) in York covers over 300 years of railway history and its collections include over 100 locomotives , some 250 items of rolling stock and thousands of other objects - from posters and tickets to uniforms and silverware. Visitors can enjoy a fun family day out with the kids including an action-packed annual programme of special events and exhibitions. Admission to the museum is free.
• The National Railway Museum forms part of the National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI), along with the Science Museum in London, the National Media Museum in Bradford and Locomotion – the National Railway Museum in Shildon.