Where was the Hogwarts Express this year?

In previous years Kings Cross train station in London has welcomed fans like these to celebrate the occasion

Harry Potter fans gathered at Kings Cross Station on 1 September, awaiting the annual announcement for the start of each academic year.

"Hogwarts express will depart from platform 9 ¾ at 11am", just as it happens in JK Rowling’s books.

But this year, the announcement at the London train station never came.

Disappointed fans booed on the platform at Kings Cross after they counted down to 11am.

The day attracts Harry Potter fans of all ages to countdown to the announcement

Network Rail apology to Potter fans over Hogwarts Express

Newsround reached out to Network Rail, who run London Kings Cross, to find out why the event didn't take place.

The railway company said they made the decision because of the large crowds that the event brings to the busy train station.

Network Rail said:

“Having begun as a small number of fans coming to Kings Cross to see off the fictional train, last year’s event drew crowds of thousands, which made it challenging for us to run the station normally.

"Our priority must always be passengers who are trying to make their journeys on the railway, so regretfully this year there was no in-person celebration.”

The organisation also apologised to Potter fans.

"We’re sorry some Harry Potter fans were left disappointed on Sunday because they weren’t aware of Warner Brothers’ online celebrations to wave off the Hogwarts Express, which was announced back in July."

Platform 9 3/4 is a popular tourist destination for Harry Potter fans

In July Warner Bros Discovery, who own the Harry Potter franchise, put out a statement asking fans to avoid travelling to Kings Cross.

It said: “Come 1st September, fans are strongly discouraged from travelling to Kings Cross as there will be no event, departure board or countdown at the station.

“Instead, everyone is invited to tune in and join proud Hufflepuff and king of the jungle, Sam Thompson, in a specially recorded online programme made in celebration of back to Hogwarts.”

We don't yet know if there will be an event at the station next year or not.