the origins of the autumnal equinox festival are rumoured to be as old as the streets of diagon alley itself. old wives’ tales and written reports indicate that the first festival had been exclusive to the leaky cauldron ( the first building in the area at that time ), as an effort to encourage more foot traffic in the new gateway between the magical and muggle worlds. the first landlady of the leaky, daisy dodderidge, had hired a cook to come up with a menu of meals and accompanying drinks that have now become a traditional, limited autumnal offer at the inn ─ to this day, wixen from all across great britain make an annual stop by the famous pub for a taste of nostalgia, as these threats are only available for the week of the festival, with new additions invented every year. along with classic favourites such as the bubbling caramel apple pie ( charmed to remain at a warm, gooey perfection ), three squash spiced soup and hot buttered rum, guests will be able to sample new creations such as the autumn spice butterbeer and the cinammon and pear pudding.
from the ever - packed inn, the wizarding community will be able to breach entrance into diagon alley, where they will be greeted with a familiar path. in anticipation for the crowds that would be gathered because of the festival, the streets have been enhanced with some sort of expansion charm that allows visitors to roam comfortably in between the bustling shops and pop - up tents, both from within the alley and from storefronts much closer to the school ─ fancy a sugar quill from honeydukes or a nose - biting teacup from zonko’s ? festival goers are in luck, as a few hogsmeade shops have decided to join in on the fun for the week, allowing busy adults to relive their teenage adventures.
empty shops have been reinvented and rented out to serve as temporary homes for a few major names in the european fashion industry, such as señor dominguez, who will also be present at the launch of his new fall collection. madam malkin’s robes for all occasions and twilfitt and tattlings, two of the most beloved clothing stores from the alley, will also run on discounted prices, a policy that has been adopted by the entire commerce street. most of the shops in the alley have also been adequately restocked after a big flux at the start of the school year just a few weeks ago but now, without the presence of impatient tenagers, most adult wixen may carry on with their shopping lists, taking further advantage of the aforementioned discounts.
there will also be new items for quidditch aficionados who have been long expecting the release of a new broom, rumoured to be the best yet by a mr. arkie alderton of arkie alderton’s kwik - repair shop right here in the alley, and in charge of the promotion ? miss emma vanity, our beloved quidditch player who had aided england in securing the quidditch world cup two years ago. there have also been rumours that ludo bagman, who has recently been discharged from st. mungo’s and is in talks of returning to the wimbourne wasps, will be joining his colleague at the signing event for the new broom, making it a rare opportunity for fans to get a look at their idols.
in diagon alley square, we will find several attractions for children not yet on the path to hogwarts. the famous intersection between streets, commonly filled with vendors, has been emptied out as per year basis, for the enjoyment of the visitors and both human and puppet plays will occur periodically during the day, in between other entertainment that can be seen in the schedules pinned on the announcement boards. for those interested in showcasing their own talents, the stage is open to public use for musical or theatrical displays, though there will be aurors around to make sure nothing gets too rowdy. children may also take part in little competitions hosted throughout the week ─ these include but are not limited to the three - legged race down the main alley, arts and crafts, and a budding potioneer’s contest hosted by radicati apothecary.
the organizers of the festival urges parents to keep an eye on their little ones, however, as most shopkeepers from knockturn alley, traditionally, do not take part in the schedule of events plotted out by the ministry of magic, though it is noteworthy to say that there are a few antique shops that have signed up for an auction and there are promises of new ( or old ) items one could desire, cursed or otherwise ─ we are assured that there will be a curse breaker at the peoples’ disposal, should the need arise for one, but we advice interest parties to pay handsomely for such services.
all in all, the lineup of events for this year’s autumnal equinox festival looks promising and inclusive, with many muggleborn families taking the opportunity to learn more of the wizarding world and with many attractions catered to what they might be familiar with. as the veil of peace stretches thin, perhaps the festival is precisely what the heart needs to be reminded of a kinder, more brighter time.
