Harry Potter and the very big film premiere

Blog: It was the biggest world premiere in history and I was one of the lucky few to witness and be a part of the magnificent spectacle, writes London reporter Sunita Patel.

I've been on the showbiz circuit in London for almost seven years now.

I've seen girls pass out at a glimpse of Johnny Depp, fans set up camp overnight in eager anticipation at each instalment of the new Star Wars trilogy, and fanatics turning out in all manner of fancy dress in the tiny hope their idols will pick them out of the crowds.

But I've seen nothing, I repeat nothing, on the magnitude of a Harry Potter premiere.

They get bigger and better every time. And last night did not disappoint.

Pottermania ruled in the capital's biggest piazzas, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. And although some fans had braved days of torrential downpours, tentless, there was not a single miserable face in sight.

The West End was at a standstill with police cordoned road blocks.

Even the streets outside the premiere enclosures were packed 10 to 20 people deep, despite there being only the remotest chance that they were going to be able to see anything, let alone any one of the film's many stars.

Anyone would have though there was a royal wedding in town.

The film trailers, screens, lights, poster billboards - not forgetting the deafening noise of the fans - could no doubt be seen and heard for miles.

You couldn't hear yourself think at times.

For Harry Potter has a huge following.

J K Rowling's books have captured the hearts and minds of millions across the globe.

And, not surprisingly, thousands crossed oceans and continents to be a part of the epic conclusion.

The piazzas were packed with fans adorned in Hogwarts regalia.

Many had brought with them banners emblazoned with pledges that read, "Potter till I die" and "I'm with Harry Potter until the end".

As I squelched along the red carpet in my waterproofs (I lost an entire handbag and its contents two years ago at a Potter premiere due to the monsoon-like torrential downpour that usually accompanies the occasion, and I wasn't going to risk that again) the grey skies cleared to make way for the blue and the sun drenched the rain-soaked crowds.

I think many prayers had been answered.

You couldn't hear any of the live star interviews taking place on the stage with TV presenters Alex Zane and Edith Bowman for all the frenzy.

And the squeals just got louder with the entrance of every star - big and small - who worked the crowds for hours, signing autographs and memorabilia, and stopping to pose for photographs.

Peoples of all nationalities lined the barriers - their national flags giving them away - from Spain, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, the States...all over.

They were the fortunate ones, who had laid siege of the streets for days for a red wristband - their golden ticket to the once in a lifetime experience.

For most pilgrims, this wasn't their first Potter premiere. "Harry Potter is my life," one declared. Something told me she wasn't kidding. She looked like she hadn't slept for days, but still had a sense of energy about her which sparked to life at the glimpse of any one of her idols.

Even the world's media was giddy with excitement, taking pictures and tweeting behind the scenes.

It was a privilege, and every single person present revelled in the moment.

By London reporter Sunita Patel