IT’S hard to believe it was 20 years ago when Dorset – and the world – was getting excited about the release of the latest Harry Potter book.
In July 2005 bookshops in the area were planning to open their doors at midnight on July 16 for the release of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
The book was the sixth and penultimate novel in the Harry Potter series.
WH Smith stores in Weymouth and Dorchester were hosting the late openings.
A spokesman for Smiths in Weymouth told the Echo: “It should be a good night because a lot of people have said they are planning to come in.
“There are a lot more people wanting this book than there were wanting the last book.”
Ottakar’s bookshop in Dorchester – which would later become Waterstones – was throwing a midnight party for the release.
There was a fancy dress competition for children and adults and Whittard was providing drinks and biscuits for the event.
Manager of the shop’s children’s department, Lorrie Hope, said: “We opened at midnight when the last book was released and we had over 200 people queuing outside.
“They started queuing from about 10pm. We’ve had a lot of interest in the new book already and customers have made about 200 reservations so far.”
There were also games, prizes and competitions at Ottakar’s on the Saturday.