Wizard week on way

IT'S set to be one of the biggest blockbusters of all time - and, from this Saturday, the magic of Harry Potter will cast its spell on the pages of the South Wales Argus.

During Harry Potter Week you will meet the stars of the film - which had its world premiere in London last night - wizard competitions and fascinating features.

Advance booking sales for Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone are set to soar this week as reviews from last night's world-wide premiere gave the film the thumbs up.

And there's the chance to win 20 family tickets to it at Newport's UGC cinema when it goes on general release on November 16. Ottakar, WH Smith, Marks and Spencer have all generously offered superb prizes, and we offer young artists the chance to win some exciting toys from Tiger Electronics.

Further details of all these competitions will appear in the Argus this Friday. The film has already broken box office records by taking the biggest ever advance bookings for a movie release - topping the £1 million mark already.

Fans of Chepstow-educated JK Rowling's Harry Potter novels have been waiting to see if the film makers can re-create the magic of her books.

Her young hero has captured the imagination of both young and old readers and each new novel in the series - to be seven in total - is eagerly snatched up. Miss Rowling is now writing the fifth.

The live action family film is based on the first novel and tells the story of a boy who learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards.

He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

Young Daniel Radcliffe plays Harry in the Chris Columbus-directed movie and he is surrounded by a galaxy of stars including Richard Harris, Robbie Coltrane and Alan Rickman.

Gwent filmgoers can see the film before its main release on November 16. UGC on Newport Retail Park is showing preview performances on Saturday and Sunday including three late-night showings on Saturday.

Tickets are selling fast but are still available. Telephone the advance booking line on 08701 550516.

See tomorrow's South Wales Argus for our own review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.