THE world’s favourite wizard is hitting the stage – and a Northallerton bookshop is planning a magical weekend to celebrate.

Waterstones, on the High Street, is marking the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Pts I & II, the scripts for the new play in London.

The shop will be opening its doors at 10.30pm on July 30, just hours after the play’s official opening night, to allow customers to be among the first to get their hands on the script as the clock strikes midnight.

The doors will be locked at 11.50pm – so those who are late will miss out on the fun - and enthusiats are being encouraged to dress as witches and wizards.

There will also be a couple of special Hogwarts-themed lessons at the shop on July 31.

Between 11am and noon there will be a special potions class, then, between 2.30pm and 4pm, there will be a “Care of Magical Creatures” class, with a little help from local pet shop Aquatic Finatic.

For more details about any of the events 01609-761987, or email northallerton@waterstones.com