Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: fans camp out ahead of premiere - in pictures

The event will begin in Trafalgar Square, where cast members will greet gathered fans, before proceeding to Leicester Square, where the film will screen simultaneously in three cinemas Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

At the head of the queue are these Canadian fans, who've been in line for six days already. They pose for photographs with a Voldemort doll Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

A Swedish fan flies the flag for Rupert Grint Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

A fan from Argentina holds up a flag while she waits in Trafalgar Square. Yet the logo in the centre of the 'o' suggests she may also have attended the Take That concerts happening this week. Two birds with one stone? Photograph: Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters

A little light reading … Potter fans crib ahead of the premiere Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Security barriers have been erected in case fans become over-excited Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Umbrella sellers are doing a roaring trade Photograph: Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters

Ditto anyone flogging Potter-branded winter-wear Photograph: Joel Ryan/AP

Many school terms end this week, meaning some may have come straight from the classroom ... Photograph: Joel Ryan/AP

... while others may have simply walked straight from Glastonbury Photograph: Joel Ryan/AP

Still 30 hours to go … and banners are brandished in anticipation Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Potter fans finding ways to pass the time in the queue
Photograph: Sarah Lee for the Guardian

Fans check their phones
Photograph: Sarah Lee for the Guardian

One fan plans on sleeping better than most Photograph: Sarah Lee for the Guardian

Reading and re-reading ... Photograph: Sarah Lee for the Guardian

... and just hanging out Photograph: Sarah Lee for the Guardian

Amid a sea of devotees two fans cast spells on each other Photograph: Sarah Lee for the Guardian

Well this will pass the time: applying henna tattoos Photograph: Sarah Lee for the Guardian