Harry Potter Day is back at Victoria Park on Saturday 10 October, 10am to 2pm, with a Chamber of Secrets trail and prizes. Parking is tight, so plan the trip.

Harry Potter Day returns to Victoria Park in Ashford on Saturday 10 October, from 10am to 2pm. This year’s theme is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Ashford Borough Council, which runs the day, announced the date last week. You can arrive at any time in the four hours. The announcement mentions no tickets and no booking.

What happens on the day

The council’s announcement sets out the plan:

  • Each child who enters “the Chamber of Secrets” gets a challenge from Tom Riddle.
  • A trail around the park tests what they know about the Chamber of Secrets, ending in “Riddle’s riddle”.
  • Each child can enter a draw for prizes.
  • Snitches will be hidden around the park. Anyone who finds one and brings it back wins a snitch cake from Harper’s Cafe, the cafe in the park.
  • Harper’s Cafe will also be selling food and drink.

Cllr Guy Pullen, the council’s cabinet member for parks and recreation, called it “one of our most popular community events”.

Getting there

This is the part to plan. The council warns that parking at the park itself will be “very limited”, and asks people to walk or come by public transport if they can.

Victoria Park is off Jemmett Road, TN23 4QD.

The nearest car park the council suggests is Victoria Road car park, TN23 7HQ, about five minutes’ walk away. It is not free. The council’s page lists:

  • 99 bays, including 5 disabled bays and 4 electric vehicle charge points
  • £1.30 an hour for up to four hours, between 8am and 6pm
  • £6 for more than four hours
  • 65p minimum (30 minutes)
  • payment by card or coins at the machine, or by RingGo using location code 26667

A four-hour stay covering the whole event would cost £5.20 at the hourly rate. Our guide to parking in Ashford covers the other town centre car parks.

What it means for you

  • Put Saturday 10 October in the diary. It runs 10am to 2pm, and you can come and go.
  • Walk or take the bus if you can. Parking at the park is limited.
  • Bring dressing-up if the children want to. The council’s invitation is to “witches and wizards”, along with their “magical or muggle” friends and family.
  • Want more for the holidays? Our October half term guide lists the dates and what else is on locally.