However, the weather didn’t deter the many fans, who gathered in Leicester Square to see the stars of the film arrive. Some fans had camped out overnight to make sure they got right to the front of the crowd.

Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry, arrived at the premiere with a large umbrella to avoid getting drenched. He told reporters that the new film is darker than the previous ones, and there’s not so much direct comedy as in previous films.

However, the young wizard is no longer a child – Daniel was 10 when he first played the role but is now 17, so the new film addresses some more mature emotional issues. The film features Harry’s first on-screen kiss, with Cho Chang, played by Katie Leung. The film will be on general release from 13th July.

The stars of the film were immortalised in concrete at the Los Angeles premiere at Graumans Chinese Theatre. They made hand, foot and wand prints to join the many famous people who have already made their mark there.

Author of the Harry Potter books, JK Rowling was also at the premiere, and talked about finishing the final book in the series, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'. She said she was very emotional at having finished the series, and that it had been "a hell of a month".

The seventh and final book will be released on 21st July, and over 1 and half million orders have already been placed in bookshops. In addition, plans are already afoot for the movie adaptation of the 6th book, 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'.

So look out for more Harry Potter soon!