Hogwarts themed event coming to Paisley as organiser to bring 'festive magic alive'

Calling all Harry Potter fans! You may not be able to take your kids to the real Hogwarts – but you can get pretty close this Christmas.

Coats in Paisley, Renfrewshire, is a stunning old church that resembles the iconic wizard school, and a local artist is staging three events at the venue this winter to bring "festive magic alive".

Lisa Cunningham recently ran a wizarding brunch at Coats and is putting on three more due to demand and rave reviews.

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The events are over the weekend of December 13, 14 and 15 and will see the venue decorated with Potter-style goodies, as well as special themed food and drinks, photo opportunities and even a real live owl.

Lisa said: “We ran an event a few weeks ago and we were blown away by the response.

“Demand has been crazy for some more themed brunches so we are definitely looking at other ideas too.

“But the big news is we are doing three more Hogwarts inspired events just before Christmas.

“The venue is perfect, it’s just beautiful, and everyone really got into the spirit of it all, coming along in costumes and stuff

“So we hope this is the perfect festive treat for families – let’s bring the magic of Christmas to life.”

While the events are inspired by the world of Hogwarts, they are not official endorsed events – but the venue alone transports you right to the heart of that fantastical world.

“It’s all a bit of fun really – we’re all fans and it’s about giving local families something fun to do together in these tough times.

“We have some really exciting things planned for 2025 exploring different interests and passions.

“It’s such a gift having this beautiful venue to play with.”

And while Lisa and the team can’t quite guarantee a white Christmas, they can definitely bring some magic to the build-up.

“Transforming a space like this really gets the creative juices flowing which makes for such a special atmosphere and capturing the real magic that we look to emulate in every event we do.

“From the set design to the actors, magicians to the owls and even the food elements, everything’s thought through thoroughly to create a wow factor for the guests.”

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Organisers have posted additional information on what fans can expect on their social media.

They said: “After our SOLD OUT Harry Potter themed, wizarding brunch on Saturday 9th November at Coats church in Paisley, we are delighted to announce that we will be back with very special festive editions on Friday 13th, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December 2024.

“Inspired by The Great Hall in Hogwarts Castle, the main area where students and teachers congregated and received their daily meals and owl post, the church upstairs will be converted with enough space to hold every student and aspiring wizard!

“You can expect a selection of festive inspired sand-witches, savoury dishes, jelly snakes and potion-mixed drinks, along with a few of Harry’s favourites, pigs in blankets, turkey and Christmas themed items! So dust off your robes, don your house colours and your best witch's hat and let the magic begin!

“During the event there will be magicians and actors present, as well as other immersive entertainment including a visit from Hedwig and his Scottish cousin, Ghost!

“IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is an independently created event and is not related to Warner Bros or any of their properties. It is not endorsed by or associated with J.K. Rowling or otherwise connected with Harry Potter or J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.”

Tickets are £32.50 per person and can be bought here.

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