Harry Potter magic is back as fans celebrate the release of a long-awaited book. J.K. Rowling’s eighth Harry Potter story has been released in bookstores across the globe
The most anticipated moment for booklovers in 2016 is finally here and the eighth Harry potter book has been released worldwide.
Harry Potter fans around the world lined up at their local bookstores to celebrate the midnight release of the beloved series’ eighth book, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, on Sunday, July 31.
Bookshops have returned to conditions not seen since the last Harry Potter novel was published, as the script for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was officially released on Sunday with a host of midnight openings.
There was a party atmosphere at the bookshops as fans waited patiently for the clock to strike midnight. There were games of quidditch, the sport popular at Harry Potter’s school Hogwarts, owl races, quizzes, face painting and live music at different bookshops.
According to booksellers, the play script has received the most pre-orders since Deathly Hallows was released in 2007.
Fans across the world line up for midnight launch of new Harry Potter book
Hundreds of fans snaked down London’s famous Picadilly street waiting to get their hands on a copy, while some queued outside Lello, a Gothic Revival-style bookstore in Portugal’s historic center.
Dozens gathered at a downtown bookstore in Hong Kong to get the new title and try on Harry Potter costumes provided by the store.
In Singapore, some fans held a prize-giving ceremony and a hunt for the Snitch — a type of ball used in the wizard sport of Quidditch in the Potter books.
In Bangkok, around 40 fans, many wielding wands and other wizarding paraphernalia, gathered outside a large downtown mall overnight.
Sanpipat Huangsawat, 29, was first in line and had started queuing at 6:30 pm on Saturday evening. He finally got his hand on the book some 11 hours later.”I feel very excited and it’s great to be the first owner of this book in Thailand,” he said.
“I can’t believe I’m finally holding it!” Camille says after getting her #CursedChild book. Enjoy, potterheads! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/wmSIgbTq2q
— People Magazine (@people) July 31, 2016
#HarryPotterAndTheCursedChild is out!!! Goodbye world!
— Stephanie Frosch (@ElloSteph) July 31, 2016
This is what pure & utter happiness looks like ♥ ♥ ♥ Thank you @Dymocksbooks! #HarryPotterAndTheCursedChild pic.twitter.com/NCINruDIVL
— Booknut101 (@Booknut101) July 31, 2016
… all the same folks now in their 20s & 30s who were in line as kids when the original books came out. #HarryPotterAndTheCursedChild …
— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) July 31, 2016
Bookstores also shared their excitement on social media as fans queued for hours to collect anticipated book
Just a few our amazing customers! #HarryPotterandtheCursedChild @HachetteAus @Dymocksbooks pic.twitter.com/sg5skXNckk
— Dymocks Burwood (@DymocksBurwood) July 31, 2016
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Widely seen as the eighth Harry Potter instalment, the play is set 19 years after the end of the last book and features a grown-up Potter working at the Ministry of Magic.
Like many of his fans, Potter has now become an adult and has three children with his wife Ginny Weasley.
He still has his trademark round-rimmed glasses and the scar on his head, a permanent reminder of his nemesis Lord Voldemort, but must now help his youngest son Albus confront the family’s dark past.
The script’s global kickoff was timed to coincide with its launch at midnight in London, after the play’s world premiere at the Palace Theatre earlier in the evening. July 31 is also author J. K. Rowling’s birthday.
Despite an almost ten year gap since the last Harry Potter offering from JK Rowling, the popularity of the massive literary franchise hasn’t dimmed, judging by the large crowds.
The two-part play stretches over five hours and was co-devised by Rowling, written by Mr Thorne and directed by Mr Tiffany.
