Thousands of Manitoba muggles join Dumbledore and Snape to celebrate Harry Potter book release

Hogwarts recruited thousands of wizards and muggles in Winnipeg on Saturday night to celebrate the release of the latest Harry Potter book.

Members of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and even Slytherin gathered in Assinboine Park for the Harry Potter Party in anticipation of the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at midnight.

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Albus Dumbledore — known locally as McNally Robinson owner Chris Hall — said he apparated straight from Hogwarts to the party.

"Well it's amazing to see so many aspiring wizards and young people that aspire to the magical arts," he said. "It's always good to see a new group of students."

For the Hogwarts-heads showing their Potter pride the music, food, and Quidditch was the lead up to the main event — getting their hands on the next chapter of their favourite wizard and his friends.

"I've read all the Harry Potter books almost three times. I can't wait to get the next book because I am a big fan," Brock Becker said.

"I thought I read all these books already and there's another one and I wanted it so badly."

Although Harry's adventures hooked young Becker, it's a house-elf who was his favourite character.

"Dobby [is the best] because he's really funny and he likes Harry Potter a lot because Harry Potter is a nice and good friend," he said.

Before anyone could find out what Harry Potter's son, Albus, was getting up to they took part in the celebrations in the Dark Arts tent, at the Quidditich demonstrations, and competing in a tri-wizard tournament.

Around 12,000 people were estimated to have taken part in the Potter party.