Event: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald midnight launch

I went along to Waterstones Piccadilly’s midnight launch for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald, I went to their launch event for Cursed Child which was so much fun, so it took very little to convince me to buy a ticket. Waterstones announced all the interactive fun they had planned a the week leading up to it, including props from the film and a bakery!

 

 

 

The doors opened just after ten when wristbands were put on and floor plan, treasure hunt clues and a drink token. I went down to the lower ground floor, where Newt’s suitcase was waiting to take you through to a 1920s Parisian high street with a bakery, speakeasy bar serving cocktails, mocktails and a potion making class.

 

 

 

If you looked through shop windows, a Niffler or two could be found raiding the jewellery and all things shiny.

I started off my evening downstairs to explore, pick up a sweet treat at Jakes Bakery and join in a potion making class, taught by the brilliant people at Fat Rascal Theatre to brew some Lady Luck. I then decided to move on to the awesome Niffler treasure hunt with a little help and my trusty baby Niffler, who was very pleased with his shiny treasure. I love how many people brought their Nifflers along for the fun, now witch or wizard is complete without one, or five! How cool is this Niffler cake made one of their talented booksellers?!

Now, the props! On the first floor there were original props from the film on display, ranging from a copy of Newt Scamander’s Fantastic Beasts to Grindlewald’s skull and wands galore! I’m really glad I got to see them.

 

Then it was time to build a wand and join in a wand lesson, again taught by Fat Rascal and received my own wand permit to take home. I hadn’t heard of this company before, they put on a great show and I know I wasn’t the only person who enjoyed it.

Unfortunately I didn’t have time to play Quidditch so I popped down to the speakeasy bar for a cocktail made by the lovely staff from the 5th View bar, I ordered a Raspberry Bella-trix Lestrange, because who doesn’t love her?? I don’t like Gin and never finished a cocktail so far, this one I loved. Its made using Beefeater Gin, Raspberry Puree, a dash of lemon and Prosecco. I could have easily had a couple, will definitely order this in future and make it at home.

Seriously, how awesome is the speakeasy bar? I’m little sad it’s not permanent.

It was then time to head up to the ground floor and wait to get my copy of the book! My raffle ticket was #1 so I was the first person to get their copy at midnight. Each copy was stamped after we got it with an exclusive launch stamp, with a Niffler on which I approve of as I adore them! It was then time to go home and resist the temptation to dive straight it, I wanted to save all the surprises for the film and was instructed by my friend, Ana to wait until I’d seen it too.

I know I haven’t been to many midnight launches, this was by far my favourite. The time and hard work the events team and booksellers put into it really showed and paid off. I had the best time ever, thank you to everyone who made it the incredible event it was! Fingers crossed for another epic launch for Fantastic Beasts 3!