Universal is coming to Britain

And good news out of America… Universal is coming to Britain and it will be the biggest theme park in Europe when it launches in 2031.

Yes, they’re regular visitors in these shores and in Ireland, spreading the gospel on hospitality nights promoting upcoming features.

And also inviting us over to Orlando and Los Angeles to immerse ourselves in their worlds.

So what can we expect… well, like a Ron Weasley trick all will be revealed but just not yet.

In with the bricks

But what we do know is that it will be built in Bedfordshire on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site, 45 miles north of London, and will spread across 473 acres.

And it will attract 8.5million visitors in its first year alone.

That British Universal will be built on a former brickworks site brings to mind a story told to us.

By those behind the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on our first visit.

That when Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were being recreated in Orlando 15 years ago a designer was passing through the airport.

Only to be stopped and asked why there was a brick in his luggage.

Of course they told Homeland Security that it was for the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

And that JK Rowling had insisted that it had to be exactly the same brick that she had imagined for his books from back home in Britain.

Rowling with it

It is that exact detail that sets Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley apart with every brick, fixture and fitting, merch and butter beer passed first by the author.

Of course Universal like the big milky way we live in is always evolving.

And Potterheads are besides themselves in anticipation.

For the Floridian funspot’s unveiling of 1920s Paris and the British Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe on 22 May.

Five new worlds

Now we’ve been keeping you up to date with Universal’s mega plans in the Oo Es of Eh.

And its five unique new worlds including Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe.

And, of course, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. 

Now just think then what they might have in store for all of us on this side of the pond with six years to go.

And that Universal is coming to Britain.