The studios behind the Harry Potter films opened their doors to the public celebrating its tenth birthday.

On Saturday, September 10, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden invited people who lived nearby to learn about the work the studios do, ranging from prop making to wand choreography demonstrations.

The celebrate the occasion, visitors were able to see costumes from Batman and Wonder Woman films as well as an array of action vehicles on display that have been in several Hollywood movies.

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Wand choreography was a big hit among the families who visited.

 

The Maru family, who live in the homes behind the studios, all got involved in the demonstration led by Paul Harris.

Watford Observer: Left to right: Dad - Dharmesh Maru, Mum - Divya Maru, daughter - Mahi Maru and nephew - Dev Maru. Picture: Kimberley HackettLeft to right: Dad - Dharmesh Maru, Mum - Divya Maru, daughter - Mahi Maru and nephew - Dev Maru. Picture: Kimberley Hackett (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

Divya Maru said: “We have been living near here for about seven and a half years and we have always been curious about what is behind the gate.

“Mahi, my daughter, is a big Harry Potter fan and has two wands at home.

“She really enjoyed the wand demonstration and the letterbox show.”

 

Another family who enjoyed Mr Harris’ teachings was the Sticklands.

Emma Stickland, who also works at the studios, said: “My husband and I enjoyed the wand demonstration – he lost.

“It was good to be creative.

Watford Observer: Wand making was on display at the event. Picture: Kimberley HackettWand making was on display at the event. Picture: Kimberley Hackett (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

“The children really enjoyed the arts and crafts demonstrations too.

“It was a good family experience.”

Watford Observer: Left to right: Mum - Emma Stickland, Dad - Dan Stickland, and sons Sam and Tom Stickland. Picture: Kimberley HackettLeft to right: Mum - Emma Stickland, Dad - Dan Stickland, and sons Sam and Tom Stickland. Picture: Kimberley Hackett (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

Sharon Monteith, who lives near the studios, attended the day with her son and daughter.

She said: “Noah, my son, is a big fan of Harry Potter.

Watford Observer: Families could look at the movies' props. Picture: Kimberley HackettFamilies could look at the movies' props. Picture: Kimberley Hackett (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

“We enjoyed looking at all the props.”

Watford Observer: Left to right: Noah, Sharon and Masie Monteith. Picture: Kimberley HackettLeft to right: Noah, Sharon and Masie Monteith. Picture: Kimberley Hackett (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

Vicky Vernon travelled all the way from Southampton with her family to visit the studios.

She said: “My sister-in-law works here, and we are a big movie family.

“It’s been nice being together as a family looking around.”

Watford Observer: Left to right: Shirley Reed, Vicky Vernon, Brian Reed and Lucy Vernon. Picture: Kimberley HackettKimberley HackettLeft to right: Shirley Reed, Vicky Vernon, Brian Reed and Lucy Vernon. Picture: Kimberley HackettKimberley Hackett (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

Warner Brothers studio operations senior vice president Emily Stillman said: “The event is really a thank you to the community and to our staff and just a chance to celebrate with them.

“One of the things that I love the most is the culture that we have built here.

Watford Observer: People from the community visited for the day. Picture: Kimberley HackettPeople from the community visited for the day. Picture: Kimberley Hackett (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

“That is working with the charity partners or working with the community.

“To be able to do all this is special.”

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