New Harry Potter: Bookshops open for a late-night spell

Wizards, Bertie Botts and ghoul juice will be served at bookshops across the country tonight, as they open to celebrate publication of the sixth in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

The book gets its worldwide publication at midnight and will be marked with a huge party in Edinburgh Castle in the Scottish capital - home of millionaire author JK Rowling.

In Dublin, Reads of Nassau Street is vowing to be the cheapest, with copies on sale "well below" the recommended retail price of €25.99. Manager Niall Mescall would not reveal what that price would be. "But it'll be cheaper than anywhere else, don't you worry. That's our policy."

Controversy arose two years ago when booksellers were accused of overcharging young readers, with prices for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix varying by up to €9, depending on where it was purchased.

Though the recommended price was €24.99, most shops sold it at a discount. Even so, they came in for criticism from the Consumers' Association which called the discrepancies a "classic example of the enormous profit margins" in the publishing trade here.

Just two shops would reveal how much they planned to charge tonight. Roger White, assistant manager with Waterstones, said the book would be marked down to €17.99. The Dawson Street branch will be open into the morning, with a party starting for those queuing outside from 9pm.

"There will be wizards and balloons, spot prizes and goody bags," said Mr White. "At midnight, there will be huge excitement."

Similar parties are planned in Easons on O'Connell Street, where children's book manager Dan Cawte said the queue for the last book in 2003 extended down past the GPO.

"We have pre-ordered 5,000 copies to last us through Friday night and Saturday. We will have the whole ground floor done up like Hogsmeade Village." A selling price had not been finalised, "but it will be very competitive" he said.

Hughes and Hughes is preparing to welcome hundreds of young fans to its Stephen's Green outlet at midnight. Derek Hughes, chairman, said staff would be dressing up and the shop would be "our very own Hogwarts". The book will sell at €16.95.

Ten of the 14 Byrne's Bookshops in the southeast will also be opening at midnight tonight. All 14 will open at 8am tomorrow for those early rising young readers. A price has not been decided.