SHRIEKS of 'expelliarmus' and 'Gryffindor' pierced the usual calm and tranquility of Barrow Library when it hosted a very special Harry Potter day.

The Ramsden Square venue was transformed into a mini-Hogwarts on Saturday when child muggles from across Furness were treated to a celebration of all things magical.

Exploding hats, invisible ink drawings and quizzes were just some of the highlights of the event which followed on from Harry Potter World Book Night, held on Thursday.

Children dressed up in full wizarding robe attire, portraying many of the characters from the famous books including Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Bellatrix Lestrange.

Inspiring children

Janice Winch, an event organiser who played the role of Professor McGonagall on the day, said the idea behind the event was to bring fiction to life and encourage children to read.

She said: "We've had all sorts going on. They have done some amazing potion making with exploding hats and a quiz. The transfiguration team got full marks.

"The whole idea is to get children into the library and having fun."

For the children it was almost like taking a trip on the Floo Powder Network as they were transported into JK Rowling's magical world.

The library was given a complete makeover, with labelled potion bottles, bunting for each of the four Hogwarts houses, broomsticks, cobwebs and spell books decorating the children's section.

Intricate details added to the effect of fantasy coming to life, with chocolate frogs given to winners of various competitions and wands handed out to the children as they arrived.

In the potions class, library assistants used bicarbonate of soda to create an exciting volcanic eruption effect once poured into a wizarding hat.

Fun for everyone

Six-year-old Jake Macaulay said: "I liked the potions. I like the dressing up."

His mother, Claire Macaulay, of Walney, said: "It's great. They've all had lots of fun.

"It's nice that they learn about the spells."

Tickets for the free event were all taken within a matter of days and the library is hoping to put on another Harry Potter day in March due to the huge demand.

Jack Armstrong was one of the prize winners in the best costume competition after dressing up as Dobby the House Elf. Fittingly, he even brought along a solitary sock to hold.

The seven-year-old's favourite part of the event was the potions class. He said: "It was fun. We put some stuff in the hat and it came back up."

Harry Potter quiz
How much do you know about JK Rowling's magical world? Put your wizard hat on and test your knowledge in this quiz.
When is Harry Potter's birthday?
April 16
June 7
July 31
September 3
In Quidditch, how many points is the Golden Snitch worth?
50
100
150
250
What was Neville Longbottom's toad called?
Terrence
Trevor
Thomas
Toby
What is the name of the shop Fred and George Weasley opened at 93 Diagon Alley ?
Weasley's Wizard Wheezes
Weasley's World of Whoopees
Weasley's Wild Wishes
Weasley's World of Wrongdoing
The Fat Friar is the ghost of which Hogwarts house?
Gryffindor
Ravenclaw
Hufflepuff
Slytherin
After Hogwarts, Ginny became a Quidditch player for which team?
Chudley Cannons
Appleby Arrows
Holyhead Harpies
Falmouth Falcons
Who was the first victim to be stunned by the basilisk in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets?
Colin Creevey
Hermione Granger
Nearly Headless Nick
Mrs Norris
What does the spell, Accio, do?
Summons an object to the caster
Creates a fountain of water at the tip of the wand
Opens locked doors
Heals minor injuries
What subject did Horace Slughorn teach?
Defence Against The Dark Arts
Transfiguration
Potions
Divination
What is the final word in the last book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?
Scar
Well
Magic
After
Grade: Troll
Grade: Poor
Grade: Exceeds expectations
Grade: Outstanding