Harry Potter casts spell on Forbidden Forest Experience coming to Mt Martha, 2024
A Harry Potter experience that takes Muggles deep into the wizarding world, has almost sold out despite thousands objecting to the show being held on the Mornington Peninsula.
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A Harry Potter experience that takes Muggles deep into the wizarding world, has almost sold out despite thousands objecting to the show being held on the Mornington Peninsula.
A Harry Potter sound and light extravaganza to be held on the Mornington Peninsula has almost sold out despite thousands of people signing a petition against the event.
Tickets to The Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience start at $92 for adults and $77 for children aged 3-12 years and parking costs range from $12 to $30.
Die-hard fans can purchase a deluxe ticket for $142 (adults) or $127 (children) which gets them entry plus a souvenir letter, exclusive tote bag, light-up lanyard and magnet.
Entry to the event is timed with only 10.15pm slots left for a handful of dates in April and May.
The Herald Sun understands more tickets will be released for dates in June and July.
Interest in the event has not dimmed in the face of strong opposition from locals who don't want the show held in the wildlife sanctuary at The Briars.
More than 16,000 people have signed an online petition against the light and sound spectacular, over fears it would distress wildlife and destroy habitat.Others have questioned why the decision by Mornington Peninsula Shire to host the event was made behind closed doors.
There were also concerns that some councillors had signed non-disclosure agreements with the organisers prior to making a decision.
Mayor Simon Brooks said the NDAs were needed to "protect the concept" and the council had also been required to consider the event in confidence due to commercial elements of the deal.
He said experts had assessed the risks involved with holding the event in The Briars wildlife sanctuary and organisers had to follow strict rules to manage potential impacts on wildlife.
Mr Brooks said he could empathise with those wary about using the space for the event, however, the council also needed to ensure The Briars was financially sustainable.
It is not known how much the council was receiving for allowing the event to be held at The Briars.
Visitors can come face-to-face with magical creatures including a Hippogriff, take part in a wand duel and cast a Patronus to light up a Mount Martha bushland reserve.
The interactive walk through The Briars will take about 90 minutes with up to 3000 people a night expected to attend sessions held every 15 minutes.
A Mornington Peninsula Shire spokesperson said the event would provide an important boost for local businesses though spending at local shops, restaurants and cafes.
“This event will showcase our region, inspiring visitors to stay for a few days in what is generally a quiet time for our tourism sector,” they said.
However, local wildlife volunteers were “astounded” the council had given the green light to hold the event within The Briars 90ha conservation zone.
The area is fenced and while people are allowed access, strict rules are followed for guided night time walks.
The Sunshine Reserve Conservation and Fireguard Group said the space was “a wildlife sanctuary, not a theme park”.
Field officer with the group Pia Spreen said the sanctuary was home to endangered and threatened species.
She said allowing bright lights, music and heavy foot traffic through the sensitive space at night would upset feeding routines nocturnal animals including a pair of powerful owls, which are listed as vulnerable in Victoria under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
It could also possibly displace marsupials, such as sugar gliders and possums, which were an important part of the food chain.
The Herald Sun has been told generators and portable toilets would also be installed in the sanctuary for the duration of the event.
“There are other spaces within The Briars where this event could be held. It’s just not appropriate to have it in the wildlife sanctuary,” Ms Spreen said.
Wildlife experts were also consulted in the lead up to the event being approved and would continue to offer advice throughout the design and activation of the experience.
The event was created by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and is being brought to Australia by Fever and IMG.
A Fever spokesperson said the “vast majority” of the overall woodland would remain “completely untouched” and there should be minimal impact to natural habitats.
Most of the wizard trail would follow pre-existing paths, while another path would be improved for the experience following “expert advice”.
Localised, limited lighting would be used and the event space returned to darkness each night.
“Our overall sound levels are low in the areas where music is being used,” the spokesperson said.
Fever would not reveal how much it paid to hold the show at The Briars, which is owned and run by the council.
