Well, it’s finally arrived. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the latest in the hugely popular series of books by author JK Rowling, will be launched tonight - at midnight, the bewitching hour.

Waterstones in Maidstone’s Fremlin Walk will be holding a party starting at 11pm to celebrate the eighth book in the wizard series. But fans are advised they must pre-order their copy.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Parts I and II has been co-written by Rowling, with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. It is the scriptbook of the play of the same name which opens to the public at the Palace Theatre in London tonight.

Based many years on from the original stories, this sequel has Rowling’s teenage hero as a grown-up father of three. His youngest son Albus bears the weight of the family legacy as the past fuses with the present.

Waterstones are treating fans to an evening of cakes, drinks, owl racing and Pictionary - and there will be a prize for the best fancy dress costume.

Store manager Rachel Johns said: “The publication of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is an exciting event for Potter fans all around the world.

“Our launch party will give our customers the opportunity to get their copy as soon as the book is released and we hope to give Maidstone’s fans a night to remember. We are all really looking forward to sharing this experience with them.”

Because of Sunday trading laws, the store will be unable to process any transactions after midnight, so to avoid disappointment, customers must order the book in advance.

The store said anyone under 16 attending the event should be accompanied by an adult.

Details from Waterstones on 01622 682042.