As if the rush to be one of the first to lay your hands on the latest instalment of the Harry Potter books wasn’t already intense enough, Virgin Megastore adds another reason to queue.

The first 100 wizards to pick up their copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at Virgin Megastore, Mall of the Emirates will get instant prizes; one of which is a trip for two to the UK aboard Virgin Atlantic including a 4 nights stay at the Royal Horseguards Thistle courtesy of Visit Britain, as well as 99 other instant prizes such as Dh50 gift vouchers and 10 per cent discount vouchers.

Padlocks, confidentiality contracts and not to forget, the impenetrable silencio charm have been used to ensure that the plot of the latest instalment of the twists remain a secret.

Boxes have been chained shut, barbed wire has been uncoiled and satellite tracking systems for delivery vans have been double-checked.

The eagerly anticipated release of J K Rowling’s last novel will occur globally at one minute past midnight UK time on Saturday, July 21.

At the exact same moment (3am), wizards in the UAE will be able to get their copy and receive the added bonus of instant prizes for the first 100 purchasers.

“Being one of the first 100 to get the final edition of the Harry Potter series is exciting enough, but to win a trip to London and stay in a castle like hotel will certainly offer one Harry Potter fan a magical experience when they win the flight with us to London,” said Andrew Fyfe, regional manager Middle East and Indian Ocean for Virgin Atlantic Airways.

“I am sure during this busy travel season there will be many passengers on Virgin Atlantic whose travel books will include Harry Potter and look forward to welcoming the winner and companion on our flight,” he added.
 
“The excitement is building as we get closer to the launch date of the eagerly anticipated final book in the Harry Potter series. “VisitBritain are delighted to be associated with Virgin Megastore and this magical initiative by offering one lucky winner a 4 night stay at a fabulous castle hotel in London,” said Carol Maddison, marketing manager for VisitBritain. 

Harry Potter books are enjoyed by adults and children alike and we have witnessed the phenomenal success of the previous Harry Potter books and are confident that this one will be just as captivating.  VisitBritain look forward to welcoming Harry Potter fans to Britain and encourage them to explore the enchanting Harry Potter locations that we have to offer”

The seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series will mark the end of the greatly loved books by Rowling, which has created a magical world since 1997, when the first book was published.

Fans, both youngsters and adults alike, await the book in anticipation to see what will become of the world’s most famous and loved wizard!

Those Potter fans whose body clocks won’t let them be at the 3am release, can still take advantage of Virgin Megastore’s Dubai Summer Surprises offering when they buy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows or any other of the store’s wide selection of books, CDs, DVDs, games or Apple Mac products. Customers instantly get a Dh50 Gift Voucher with every purchase worth Dh350.