IT’S not just for children you know.

Harry Potter that is, and proving you’re never too old for a trip down Diagon Alley, the Firstsite art gallery in Colchester is putting on a special themed night aimed at Harry Potter fans over the age of 16.

It follows a very successful similar event for children, which was held at the venue, earlier this year.

“It was incredible,” organiser Lisa Bowden says. “We ran it as part of Harry Potter Book Night and we had about 125 children turn up.

“The only real downside to the event was we had an amazing team of volunteers who put their heart and soul into it but also some of their own money, and because I wanted to do another event next February, and make it bigger, better and, most importantly, free, I needed to organise a bit of a fundraiser to make that happen.”

And what better way than to stick with the Harry Potter formula but get adults along instead.

With the help of the brilliant Firstsite Learning Team the spaces in the gallery will be transformed into the world of wizards, complete with a mock-up of Diagon Alley, full of colourful characters, flamboyant performers, and interactive experiences.

There will also be plenty of activities to have a go at such as potions and wandmaking, try on the Sorting Hat to discover their true Hogwarts House, and indulge in magical themed cocktails at the Leaky Cauldron.

Lisa adds: “We're so excited to be offering older fans an opportunity to escape into J K Rowling's magical world for the evening. Tickets for our children's Harry Potter Night were snapped up in less than an hour, so we're hoping that adult fans will respond with the same enthusiasm.”

• Harry Potter Night Firstsite Art Gallery, Lewis Gardens, Colchester.

Friday, November 13. 7pm to 10pm.

Sold Out but for returns call 01206 577067.

www.firstsite.uk.net