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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The book was the sixth and penultimate novel in the Harry Potter series.<\/p>\n
WH Smith stores in Weymouth and Dorchester were hosting the late openings.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“There are a lot more people wanting this book than there were wanting the last book.”<\/p>\n
Ottakar’s bookshop in Dorchester – which would later become Waterstones – was throwing a midnight party for the release.<\/p>\n
There was a fancy dress competition for children and adults and Whittard was providing drinks and biscuits for the event.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
There were also games, prizes and competitions at Ottakar’s on the Saturday.<\/p>\n
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