Norfolk muggles gathered for the evening at the Forum in Norwich on 20 June 2003 to celebrate the release of the fifth Harry Potter book. It's the first instalment for three years and even though the book didn't go on sale until midnight - way past lots of people's bedtimes - 550 children and their parents called into the Potter party. Many people dressed up in the costumes of their favourite character for the event, which was sold out. Mother-of-three Nicky Barnes was one of the first people in the queue for the new book. "I'm Madame Hooch: red nails, dressed all in black, hair spiked up," she said. "I think its great. My three sons are Harry Potter mad. "We've got a copy on order but we wanted to be here on the stroke of midnight when the books come out. We're desperate to find out what's going to happen," she added. Norfolk actor Chris Rankin, who plays prefect Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter films, was on hand to lead a Harry Potter storytime. He also signed books and answered people's questions on the Hogwarts scholar. Chris, from Dereham, has been away filming the Prisoner Of Azkaban but he didn't give away any secrets from the set - however he did tell the audience about his favourite owl. "I wanted to know what's his favourite owl," said four-year-old Michael.
"It's the one with white all over it - that's Harry Potter's Owl. Hedwig's my favourite too," added Michael.
Trainee witches and wizards took part in a Harry Potter Treasure hunt in Origins, a Harry Potter quiz and a fancy dress competition for children and adults. Don't miss: See the photo gallery from the Harry Potter nightand Chris Rankin talks about being back on set. | 
View 
