Calls to boycott Harry Potter Forbidden Forest event at The Briars
A holiday haven is in danger of a boycott by the wizarding world unless it moves a Harry Potter event from a sensitive location.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
The playground of Melbourne’s rich and famous is facing a “global backlash” from Harry Potter fans in the wake of outrage about an event that celebrates the boy wizard.
Melbourne’s original Harry Potter fan says the Mornington Peninsula was at risk of a boycott over a decision to hold a Forbidden Forest light and sound experience at night in a fenced wildlife sanctuary.
Shannon Meilak warned the local council, which gave permission for the event, that it could drive tourists away.
“This show, which I have no doubt the council thought would be great for local tourism, could end up stopping people from ever visiting,” Ms Meilak said.
“I certainly won’t ever be returning to the peninsula if the event isn’t moved.”
Ms Meilak urged people to demand refunds for their tickets to the Forbidden Forest experience unless it was moved from The Briars wildlife sanctuary.
The founder of Melbourne’s first Harry Potter fan club – which went on to become the third biggest globally – said she had no idea the interactive event was being held in such a “sensitive location” when she bought her tickets.
Ms Meilak, who lives in Brimbank, had planned a mini-break on the Mornington Peninsula and had booked accommodation and tickets to the show for herself and her mum.
“If they don’t move the show to a more appropriate location I’ll be demanding a refund for my tickets and accommodation,” she said.
Mornington Peninsula mayor Simon Brooks acknowledged the backlash over the show could impact tourism in the area.
“There is really strong feeling about this in the community and it does have the potential to have a negative effect,” he said.
“However, it can also have a positive effect and our economic development team is working hard to find ways to ensure that businesses also benefit from any love shown to the area as a result of the show.”
At least one family has handed back their tickets and received a refund.
Sophie Caples said the “devastating” decision was made after the family realised the event was being held within the wildlife sanctuary.
“We explained it to our children and they understood why we couldn’t support it,” she said.
“It’s not an appropriate location.”
Progressives of the Peninsula chair Dr Sarah Russell said other sites in The Briars should be considered for the event.
“I’m sure the many children attending the event may be upset to know it could be harming wildlife in the sanctuary,” she said.
An online petition calling for the show to be relocated more than 19,500 signatures.
Meanwhile, on Monday about 200 people gathered at a public meeting organised by Save Briars Sanctuary.
Most of those attending feared “protected wildlife and threatened species” would be at risk from the event and wanted it moved.
There were also calls for greater transparency from the council about its decision, which was made behind closed doors.
Mr Brooks said the council had signed a contract to hold the event and there were “consequences” to breaking the agreement.
However, “commercial in confidence” aspects of the contract prevented him from revealing details.
He said an environmental assessment completed for the event was being followed.
