Opposition to a planned Harry Potter-themed event in Perth's eastern suburbs is intensifying, with workers at the site reporting abuse and vandalism. The event, known as the Forbidden Forest Experience, is set to take place at Jorgensen Park in Kalamunda, a crown reserve area.
Workers began setting up on Wednesday but have already faced hostility, including verbal abuse and being recorded without consent. Temporary fencing around a section of the site has also been damaged. Entertainment company Fever, which previously hosted the event in Melbourne and Brisbane, is behind the Perth edition.
Local residents had voiced concerns in April about the event's potential impact on native wildlife. While it is unclear if those earlier critics are linked to the recent incidents, the situation has prompted calls for increased security. CCTV cameras are now being considered for the bushland site.
The Forbidden Forest Experience is described as a “nighttime woodland trail filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders” and is expected to run for several months. Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas expressed confidence in the event's environmental safety, stating, “I sincerely believed after having read everything from the experts about the environment that this event will not hurt a single tree any animals.”
