Get set to be wowed by real magic as we discover the science that can bring our favourite movie spells and storybook potions to life! Then sit back and relax as one of the most famous wizards of all time appears as if by magic on the Planetarium screen with an exclusive showing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Movie magic appears to make items and even people levitate. Storybook writers create amazing pictures in our minds of bubbling potions. But how much of this fiction could actually be science fact? Let’s find out! Join our science Inspirers as they delve into some of the most famous fictional spells and potions and uncover the science reality behind them. Is a Stupefy charm possible? What is the Midas touch? How can a potion bubble and change colour? Watch real live demos bring the magic to life right in front of your eyes.

Then grab a seat, sit back and relax as one of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, plays out under the stars of the Planetarium. Treat the kids to some movie history and relive your childhood memories. What are you waiting for?

Your Science Explained ticket includes:

• Chocolate gift upon arrival
• Live talks and demos
• Screening of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the Planetarium
• Opportunity to purchase drinks and snacks from the bar
• Dressing up is encouraged!

*Please note that the Science Centre will reopen for this evening event at 5:30pm. The live science and demos will begin at 5:45pm with the film screening taking place at 6:30pm. Harry Potter runs for 2 hour and 32 minutes. The film is shown in The Planetarium on a curved screen therefore some seats may have obscured viewing angles.*

About Science Explained

Are you curious about the world of science? Do you have questions that only an expert can help with? Science Explained might just have the answer!

Welcome to a science event like no other. Special guest speakers will delve into topics in a light-hearted look at some of science’s most intriguing questions. Do aliens really exist? Is time travel possible? What makes a serial killer? The topic of the event will be determined by who the guest speaker is. This will be announced in advance of each event.

Science will come to life even further through the two floors of interactive exhibits. Will you find more answers to your questions through hands-on fun?

Accessibility information for Science Explained

The Science Centre is completely open plan. There are doors inside the public areas to access the toilets and the Planetarium. Every floor has a level surface and all the exhibits have lots of space for wheelchairs. There are seats everywhere and a roll-on-roll-off lift that's big enough for a wheelchair and carer/personal assistant.

The Planetarium is accessible so everyone can have a special experience here. If you have a wheelchair, we have spaces for you to sit with seats for your family and friends. The stairs have lights to make them easy to see.

About the movie (rating PG)

Harry Potter is a boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is summoned from his life as an unwanted child to become a student at Hogwarts, an English boarding school for wizards. There, he meets several friends who become his closest allies and help him discover the truth about his parents' mysterious deaths.

This event is a fundraising event for Wonderseekers, the charity that runs Winchester Science Centre.