The much-awaited Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh in this popular series, will be launched in Malta, along with other countries in the same time zone, during a party at Agenda Bookshop at the Valletta Waterfront on Friday at 9pm. The book will go on sale at 1.01am on Saturday morning.

Everyone, young and old, is invited to the free party which will include, among others, Agenda Bookshop Kids Club’s mascot Mikiel, Harry Potter, Dumbledore and other characters for a night of magical acts, story-telling, games, face-painting and stilt walkers against the wonderful backdrop of the Grand Harbour.

There is a lot of anticipation as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is expected to wrap up this popular series which has left followers of all ages enchanted by its powerful and exciting plot.

“Harry Potter books have been a consistently unbeatable crowd-puller introducing their all-age-bracket readers not only to a fantastic world of wonder and magic but also to a passion for a good read,” says Rachelle Tabone, Marketing Manager for Agenda Bookshop. “The Harry Potter saga and its characters are extremely addictive. Very few people on reading the first book did not eagerly await the release of each consecutive sequel.”

Harry Potter excites even professionals associated with the project. Jason Cockcroft, jacket illustrator for Harry Potter books five, six and seven, said: “I can honestly say that the Harry Potter covers have been by far the most enjoyable jobs I have had as an illustrator. You do not get many opportunities in a career to be part – no matter how insignificant that part – of a project as widely appreciated and therefore as culturally significant as the Harry Potter books have proved to be. And for that opportunity I am profoundly grateful.”

The Harry Potter books have been a publishing phenomenon. Some interesting facts: Since the publication of the first book, Harry Potter books have sold at an average rate of around 90,000 per day. At least 13 times more Harry Potter books have been sold than there are books in the British Library. On its first day of sale in the UK, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince alone sold at a rate of 23 books per second. Reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is believed to burn as many calories as are in four chocolate bars.

During the Harry Potter party night, Agenda Bookshop at the Valletta Waterfront will have special offers which include three books for the price of two on all books in store; half price on a marked selection of children’s books; and a 50-cent-off tokens on which terms and conditions apply. From Saturday, Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows will be available at all Agenda outlets.