The young magician, his pals and even Professor Snape could be found in the town casting their spell over young and old alike as Bolton Library was transformed into famed magic school.

Bolton Libraries Services teamed up Bloomsbury, the publishers of the hugely successful books, to bring the fun of Harry Potter alive.

Children, some dressed as characters from the books, took part in a number of lessons, including learning about fantastic beasts, a creative crafts session and a magical treasure trail, before testing knowledge in the lecture theatre.

From Alison Caller

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Professor Snape with Rosie Caller (aged 9).

Professor Snape with Rosie Caller (aged 9).

They watched the Professor of Potter show in the ‘Hogwarts’ lecture theatre in which the characters, creatures, spells and adventures from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were brought alive.

Professor Snape told The Bolton News: “My students are doing very well, there are, of course, one or two who will sometimes let you down.

“They are taking part in creative lessons so there is a lot of glitter around.”

Professor Snape’s appearance was courtesy of Chorley-based Sci-fi for Hire.

Jack Cutler, of deppalike.co.uk who played the character on Saturday, said: “It is great fun to play Prof Snape, the children look at me in terror or confusion.”

Children had been counting down the days to attend a real life Hogwarts, ahead of Harry Potter Book Night 2017 which takes place on Thursday. 

George Hodgkinson, aged eight, from Lostock, who came as Harry Potter said: “I have been looking forward to this a lot. I really like the Harry Potter books.” Samuel Whiteside, aged eight, added: “I would give this five stars and Prof Snape was okay not too scary.”

Mae Baxter, aged six, said: “I made an owl to take home, but Professor Snape was a bit scary.” Amy Burns, aged eight, from Aspull, said: “I have been looking forward to the event.” I am going to Harry Potter World which is very exciting aswell.”

Sister Alice, four, said: “My favourite character is Harry Potter and it is exciting to be here.”

Ian Lamb, Bloomsbury’s head of children marketing and publicity, said: “Harry Potter still has an effect on people after 20 years and we wanted to put on a weekend for families with Harry Potter Book Night coming up.

“For children physically picking up a book is so important and if it leads on to reading other books it is great.”

Professor of Potter, Fleur Alexander, said: “I love doing this, feeding of the fans’ energy and taking them to a magical place.

“We have done shows all over at book festivals and this has to be one of the nicest venues I have performed at.”

Children found themselves on stage casting spells, while sharing their knowledge about the books.

Anne Burns from The Bolton Libraries service, who was enlisted to be one of the teachers at Hogwarts and came in her very own witch costume said: “Its a brilliant event and so many people have come.”

“We are so lucky to have Bloomsbury put on an official Harry Potter event here.

“I read the books in 1997 when they first came out and remember the original hype so have been very excited about this event, on a scale of one to ten, I would say 11!”