Harry Potter fans everywhere are cursing Warner Bros. studio after word got out that the former is trying hard to stop the annual Harry Potter Festival in Chestnut Hill from bringing magic to their summer.
As festival planners began planning the 8th annual Harry Potter annual festival they were contacted by Warner Bros. who told them they were not permitted to use any named or images associated with the Harry Potter franchise, according to Chestnut Hill Local.
Image Via Maggie Andresen/Temple News
This is certainly not the first time Warner Bros. has stepped in as they have repeatedly interfered with affiliated merchandise and events, from Harry Potter-themed condoms to Diagon Alley-esque shops, in the past. The big Hollywood studio currently owns all the rights and licenses for the names and images of the films and books so there doesn’t seem to be much the festival owners can do to stop it.
Or is there? Harry Potter fans sure hope so, as many have turned to JK Rowling in hopes that she can step in. Here are just a few of the many responses.
@jk_rowling Ms. Rowling, every year a town outside Philly (Chestnut Hill) would host the largest gathering of Potter fans for a weekend long Potter festival, garnering 50,000 fans to gather in celebration and happiness. @wbpictures sent a cease/desist letter and shut it down :(.
— TheRealMatthewJones (@MJonesEsquire) June 8, 2018
@jk_rowling what can Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) do to be able to continue the tradition of our Harry Potter festival? This is a major blow to philly. Especially because warner bro makes so much money off of the name. We just want to celebrate our love
— Miss Pope (@Pomac) June 8, 2018
@jk_rowling please help to keep this festival alive! It’s been a huge part of my life, I even got engaged there. I’m so upset about this pic.twitter.com/mcKJrrozLs
— nicole (@nicoleviscomi) June 8, 2018
@jk_rowling the annual Chestnut Hill Harry Potter themed festival has drawn ire from Warner Bros. Would you consider making an appearance, even if they cant use the name if you were to attend it would add so much to the festival.
— Ben Palochak (@BenPalochak) June 7, 2018
@jk_rowling, please save the Harry Potter Festival in Chestnut Hill, PA. It’s a joyful event that brings your fans together as well as supporting local businesses and @WarnerBrosEnt is trying to shut it down. #savetheHPfestival
— MrsDaley (@WTHSLibrary) June 7, 2018
As of yet, it doesn’t appear that Rowling has made a public statement responding to the closing of the Chestnut Hill festival, but hopefully these will be enough to win her over.
Feature image via ChesnutHillPa