Exclusive Harry Potter Costume Workshop Reveals Film Secrets for 2026
As a dedicated millennial fan of the Harry Potter series, albeit with reservations about the author, I recently had a magical revelation. During a visit to a brand-new costume workshop at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, I discovered a surprising fact: Voldemort's robes, worn by Ralph Fiennes in the Battle of Hogwarts, were green to represent Slytherin, not black as many assume across all eight films.
Mastering the Magic: Costume Creation Experience
This immersive workshop, titled Mastering the Magic: Costume Creation, is designed for fans eager to delve deeper into the art of filmmaking. Running on select dates in March and April 2026, each session accommodates 30 guests, offering a unique opportunity to explore the secrets behind the spellbinding world of costume design. Over 45 minutes, participants learn how fabric choices, colours, and fits play a vital role in bringing characters to life, from script to screen.
During the session, we were shown many original costumes up close, including the clothes Harry Potter wears in his first appearance in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The extreme attention to detail was awe-inspiring, such as the wonky stitching on Harry's old, hand-me-down shirt, symbolising the neglect from the Dursleys. To achieve a worn look, the shirt was even tumbled with rocks in a dryer.
Hidden Secrets and Fascinating Anecdotes
The workshop uncovered numerous costume secrets that enriched the film experience. For instance, Tom Felton, who portrayed Draco Malfoy, had his Hogwarts cloak pockets sewn up as a punishment for sneaking chocolates onto set, which melted and required frequent washing by the costume department.
Other highlights included Luna Lovegood's Slug Club party dress, which was hung upside down before filming to enhance its flowy appearance, and Dolores Umbridge's iconic pink suits, featuring a cat brooch found in a charity shop. A standout prop was a giant prosthetic mask of Robbie Coltrane's face, used by body double Martin Bayfield in the first two films to create Hagrid's giant-like appearance in wide shots. The mask's incredible detail, preserved over 25 years, added to its amazement.
Beyond the Workshop: Full Studio Tour Experience
After learning about costumes and creating mood boards with various materials, we proceeded to the Great Hall to begin the full Studio Tour. Here, we explored original film sets and witnessed demonstrations of filmmaking trickery, such as Neville Longbottom being levitated by pixies in the Defence Against the Dark Arts class, part of the Magical Mischief After Dark experience running until 27th April. Visitors also had the chance to create their own Howler.
The Mastering the Magic workshops will run exclusively on select dates in March and April 2026, with tickets on sale from 5th February 2026. All tickets must be pre-booked via wbstudiotour.co.uk, with all features included in the price.
