A street party is among the festive events Hamilton bookstores have lined up to usher in the release of the latest Harry Potter book in July.

Bermuda BookStore owner Hannah Willmott said while the details have not been ironed out, her store will be holding a street party on the section of Queen Street between Front and Reid Streets.

?Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? will be released world-wide on July 16 and fans will be able to purchase the book at the stroke of midnight. Ms Willmott said her party will start at around 8 p.m. on Friday 15, and it is expected many fans will come in costume. So far the store has received about 50 pre-orders for the book.

The Bookmart announced that it will hold a Harry-Potter themes midnight party for all its customers who have pre-ordered the book.

Tina Adderley, marketing manager for the Bookmart, said: ?We are very excited about this family event as there will be a lot of fun activities for adults and kids to share while waiting for the hand to crawl past midnight.

?Additionally, in the spirit of the new release, we are asking our pre-order customers to come to the event dressed as their favourite Harry Potter character or in their favourite pyjamas. We have more details available at the Bookmart for those interested.?

Fans of the popular series by author J.K. Rowling also have several choices in this particular book. Ms Willmott explained that there is an adult cover, a childrens cover and US and UK versions.

?Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? takes up the story of Harry Potter?s sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The author, who has said the opening chapter of the book had been brewing in her mind for 13 years, has already revealed to fans that the ?Half-Blood Prince? is neither Harry nor Voldemort.