J.K. Rowling-inspired Harry Potter themed event in Vancouver draws record crowds

Despite outrage from trans activists, a J.K. Rowling-inspired Harry Potter adventure event for kids in Vancouver’s Stanley Park has opened to record crowds.

Source: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Vancouver

Despite outrage from trans activists, a J.K. Rowling-inspired Harry Potter adventure event for kids in Vancouver’s Stanley Park has opened to record crowds.

“Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience,” an immersive outdoor walk-through event in Stanley Park, opened Nov. 7 to strong ticket sales and record-breaking demand, according to organizers.

The event invites visitors to explore a forest setting inspired by scenes from the popular film series, featuring life-sized creatures, light installations and themed refreshments.

However, the attraction has also drawn protests from some transgender rights advocates, who argue that public promotion of the Harry Potter brand indirectly supports author J.K. Rowling, whose past comments on gender identity have been widely criticized.

Annie-Lou St-Amant, the regional manager of the Canadian division of Fever Originals, said the Vancouver stop told Daily Hive the event has already broken records for interest.

“We have seen the number of people signing up on the waitlist. As well, the pre-sales of tickets have been the biggest success we have had across all the markets we have been in, and so I think this speaks to how many Harry Potter fans there are in Canada and how many people are actually really excited about coming to take an active part in this Wizarding World,” said St-Amant.

“At this point of the event, one day before the opening, we have never had another event with as much interest as Vancouver.”

Earlier this fall, the Vancouver Park Board apologized for approving a Harry Potter event after facing backlash from the city’s “transgender and gender-diverse communities.”

The criticism stems from the event’s association with author J.K. Rowling, who has faced years of backlash for remarks about transgender policies and sex-specific spaces for women.