Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Clad in robes and pointed hats, would-be sorcerers wave their wands and cast spells as they hone their magic skills at their very own College of Wizardry.
In scenes inspired by Hogwarts from the Harry Potter fantasy series, the students mix potions, tame magical creatures roaming the nearby forest, explore hidden basements and visit taverns.
Czocha Castle, in western Poland, opened its doors this week to 130 would-be witches and wizards for a four-day live-action role play inspired by JK Rowling’s books.
The participants, who have travelled to the castle from 17 countries, range in age from 18 to 60. Each paid $375 (£256) to attend the event, where they take on the role of students and teachers – and ghosts.
As in Rowling’s fictional world, where the young Potter learns about wizardry at Hogwarts while fighting off the dark arts, students are sorted into houses named after people with strong associations to magic – in this case Durentius, Faust, Libussa, Molin and Sendivogius.
They are given wizardry school books and follow a curriculum made up of classes such as “Physical Defence”, “Magical Theory” and “Geomancy”. Rules are in place to simulate magic: if you think a spell is “cool”, you play along.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments