After months of waiting, weeks of theatre previews, and finally the official opening night, the book launch of the script of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes place this Saturday night (technically the book is launched on Sunday, so no copies will be sold until after midnight). If you're Potty for Potter, here's where you can get in on the fun. (Note: in most cases, you'll have to reserve your copy in advance, otherwise you'll be leaving empty handed).
It's no surprise that almost every Waterstones across the city has something going on to mark the big event, mostly midnight launches. See the full list of events here. We've picked a few of our favourites:
Wizarding Week
All week long, family-friendly activities are on offer in Putney, including readings and wand making — perfect fodder for the summer holidays.
Waterstones Putney, now-29 July
Quidditch Beer Pong Tournament
Beer, books and broomsticks — what could possibly go wrong? We're guessing this one's for grown-up witches and wizards, but it's all a bit hush-hush, so you'll have to email the store for more info.
Waterstones Tottenham Court Road, 30 July, 7pm
Harry Potter Birthday Party
With a clever bit of marketing from the HP team, the book is launched on Harry Potter's birthday — 31 July. Waterstones' Bromley branch celebrates this with a birthday party, complete with cake and games.
Waterstones Bromley, 30 July, 10pm
The morning after
For those who can't quite face queueing up until midnight for the release, several Waterstones stores are opening early on Sunday for morning celebrations. The Harrow branch has crafts, colouring activities, Potter themed photo opportunities and more
Waterstones Harrow, 31 July, 9.30am
Other large bookstore chain Foyles is marking the occasion too:
Biggest Harry Potter fan?
Foyles on Charing Cross Road searches for the biggest Harry Potter fan with a quiz. There's also wizard themed food and drink, a wizard shop, and a chance to have your photo taken with Harry Potter props.
Foyles Charing Cross Road, 30 July, 9pm. £8/£20, book in advance.
Wizard punch
Other Foyles stores (including Westfield Stratford City, Royal Festival Hall and Waterloo station leave the celebrations until the next day, when they'll be serving up Wizard Punch (no, we've no idea either) and offering discounts on Potter merchandise.
31 July, from 10am (times vary by store)
The Foyles events are part of Storybox Festival, which also celebrates The Gruffalo, Roald Dahl and Beatrix Potter.
It's great to see London's independent bookshops getting in on the fun too, with this offering from The Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill:
Midnight party
Readers of all ages can get dressed up and take part in games, be sorted into houses, and sup on homemade butterbeer, before purchasing a copy at midnight.
The Children's Bookshop, Muswell Hill. Free, just turn up, 11.30pm, 30 July
Know any Potter parties going on in London that we've missed? Tell us in the comments below.
