Witching hour nears for final Harry Potter

Harry Potter's fans in Hong Kong will dust off their wizard costumes to celebrate the release of the seventh and final novel in author J.K. Rowling's series - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - next Saturday.

The final instalment in the wildly popular series will be released at the same time throughout the world. In Hong Kong, it will be 7.01am. Within hours, millions of children and adults around the world will learn the fate of Harry Potter.

While publishers announced a record-breaking 12 million copies for the first print run in the US alone, the response in Hong Kong bookstores has been mixed.

Swindon and Bookazine have chosen to celebrate the book's release by throwing parties on the day for Potter fans of all ages.

A Swindon spokesman said Harry's fans had been invited to join the Harry Potter Farewell Party at the strike of 7am. As well as getting their hands on the eagerly awaited new novel, fans with the most innovative witch and wizard costumes can win prizes such as a Harry Potter hat and a special edition of the new book.

Bookazine general manager Ellie Luk said children were invited to join a Witches, Wizards & Muggles Party at the chain's Prince's Building shop at 7am. They should dress like their favourite characters from the series. The winner will get a free book. There also will be a Witches' Brew to drink, Muggle Muffins to eat - and face painting.