A cinema is taking on extra staff to cope with the next bout of Harry Potter mania in North Wales.
The Odeon at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham is already under siege with ticket requests from fans wanting to make sure they see the final installment of the blockbuster film franchise.
Leaving Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy far behind Harry Potter will sweep down on his broom at precisely one minute past midnight on Friday, July 15.
That’s the exact time Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part Two) will hit the big screen at the Odeon.
Due for release that day, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part Two) will be screened for the first time just after the clock strikes midnight.
And, in the build up to the big night, the Odeon is screening all seven previous Harry Potter films from Friday, July 8th with tickets costing just £3.
Eagles Meadow Odeon Manager, Andrew Elvis, says he is taking on an additional four part time members of staff just to cope with the rush for seats.
Last year when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part One) was screened, Costa Coffee at the Odeon had more customers than the franchise’s branch at the giant Trafford Centre in Manchester.
He said: “There is no doubt the Harry Potter franchise of films has given the whole cinema industry a massive boost.
“When we showed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part One), we were incredibly busy.
““It was incredible how many people came here wearing wizard outfits and quidditch scarves – and not just children, lots of adults too.
“Costa had a record day here and had more customers than they’d ever had before.
“Of course it isn’t just the cinema that benefits, the increased footfall means other businesses here at Eagles Meadow benefit too. For instance I believe Costa Coffee had their best ever week when Deathly Hallows (Part One) was first screened.”
“Tickets are flying out for Deathly hallows (Part Two) and I would advise anyone who wants to be at the first screening to get their ticket quickly to avoid disappointment.
“It’s a huge shame that this is the final film of the Harry Potter franchise. Any Harry Potter generates massive interest that no other films do. We were very busy when we screened Avatar but Harry seems to be on another level all together.
“I am expecting a real Harry Potter carnival atmosphere to be honest. Some staff are dressing up as characters from the films. I wouldn’t be surprised if we had the odd Dumbledore or Hagrid in the cinema foyer.”
Self-confessed Harry Potter fan, Kevin Critchley, the Manager of Eagles Meadow, can’t wait to see the final installment of the Harry Potter phenomenon.
He said: “We’re looking forward to Harry Potter weaving his magic wand here again and we’re anticipating a knock-on effect for many of the other businesses at the centre, particularly the restaurants and cafes.
“There is a special magic about it all and it’s great to see all the kids here having a good time.”
For tickets call 0871 22 44 007.
