Harry Potter Studios!

I don’t know if you guys all know this but people close to me definitely do, I’m a huuuuuuuge Harry Potter fan. I’ve always loved it and I always will! It’s something I was brought up with, the books, the films and the fact that everyone else loved it too. As soon as I got my first book, I think I was around 10/11 I instantly fell in love with it, which is why it surprises me that I haven’t visited The Making of Harry Potter studios.

As it is my birthday approaching very soon, my friend Jade (see pictures) and I decided to visit and was I convinced we definitely had to go because it was Hogwarts in the Snow!! (So even more reason to go, right?! – Right.) As soon as we got to the station a double decker Harry Potter themed bus arrived and I knew instantly that it was going to be an amazing day. Whilst on the bus there was a short video explaining the making of the Studios with the Harry Potter theme music playing in the background.

When we arrived there was a giant snow white Christmas tree in the entrance hall with images of all the actors on the walls. We were given little badges and a short explanation of the films before being taken into the real entrance hall. There were fires burning, loads of Christmas trees and actual clothing and props from the films. After this we were taken into another huge room full of props, costumes and where they filmed some scenes from the movies. There was the Mirror of Erised, the Triwizard Cup, the Philosophers Stone, the Pensieve and so, so much more.

When we went outside there was a huge Knight Bus, Hagrids’ bike, Arthur Weasleys’ flying car, a life-size number 4 Privet Drive and the best part – Butterbeer! It was so delicious. Of course it was all very expensive to buy, but the way I looked at it, I’m not visiting very often and I am a huge fan! So Jade and I decided to buy the butterbeer in a small tankard and I have to say that I absolutely regret nothing!!

After this we went back inside for part 2 of the tour, and this was where my favourite bit was – DIAGON ALLEY! This part was absolutely amazing, it was life-size buildings and everything was so detailed. It really made me think that I was actually there! On the last part of the tour it was the big model of Hogwarts and this was so beautiful. We probably stayed here for longer than what we should have and took far too many pictures but who can blame us right?! Look at it, it’s so pretty!

So what is Harry Potter without all the Harry Potter merchandise and memorabilia!? The shop was the very final stop on our tour and there was soooo much stuff! Of course, like the butterbeer it was completely overpriced (Bertie Bots Every Flavour Beans = £9 – SAY WHAAAAAT) but in the end I did pay £8 for a chocolate frog but can you blame me? I also got some Fudge Flies and a Harry Potter pencil (I don’t even write in pencil but it was only 95p and the cheapest thing in the store so I guess it kinda had to be done?!). The next time I’m definitely getting the Bertie Bots Beans and I don’t even care!

When we left it made me really sad and I wanted to go back but this definitely isn’t the last time I shall be visiting! 

Cheerleading Initiations

Last week our new cheerleading freshers were finally initiated! We all had to dress up and the freshers had to complete a series of obstacles and games to be initiated. The returners were dressed as services, such as Police, Fire Brigade and Nurses, and the freshers in boiler suits. We then got put into teams where returners were given a bunch of freshers to look after for the night. Here is me with TEAM 2 (WOO!!) and a picture of me with Steph, we decided to go as Police Officers.

First up the freshers had to play Chicken in a Hen House. Cami, the coach, would shout out a phrase such as ‘Mermaids’ and the freshers would then have to complete the move with their partner as soon as possible and the ones to do it last would be eliminated. Of course, with initiations, there was drinking involved but it is all safe and we didn’t push anyone who didn’t want to drink and alternatively, we didn’t let other girls drink who we thought had already had enough.

Then the freshers had to play Stuck in the Mud which is a game which bought together the freshers and the returners. After this they then had to make up a rap and sing this to the returners for deliberation, whoever had the best one won! Then they had to finish with an assort course, having to skip, hula hoop etc. until they get to the end. Once this had been completed it was time to make our way to Sparrows! This is where we met our good friends, the guys from American Football, the Mariners, and then we drunk and danced and had a great time! Here is a picture of me with some of the Mariner guys.

Initiations were great but next up is competition so it’s time to get serious! Unfortunately I am not competing in this competition but I shall update you guys after and let you know how they got on anyway! Here is a picture to finish of all the returners and freshers at Sparrows! I did not make it in time for the picture L Sad times!