A SLICE of magic is coming to Ipswich today.Wizards, witches and the odd dragon have been looking forward to today for months as it is the opening of the latest Harry Potter blockbuster.

A SLICE of magic is coming to Ipswich today.

Wizards, witches and the odd dragon have been looking forward to today for months as it is the opening of the latest Harry Potter blockbuster.

The new film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, was due to be shown to die-hard fans whose sorcery and mystical skills meant they had been one of the lucky Harry-fanatics to get a ticket to the 10.30am screening at Ipswich's Cineworld.

The Cardinal Park cinema is due to show the film, which is the fifth instalment of J K Rowling's hugely successful series of books, 17 other times today before it opens in Stowmarket and Woodbridge tomorrow.

Andy Reed, manager of Cineworld, said he expects between 50,000 and 60,000 people to see the film in Ipswich alone during its run.

He added: “Everything is in place and ready for it. The film sells itself.

“It is quite dark and quite exciting we're expecting it to be one of the biggest films of the year.

“Last year loads of people came in wizards' outfits. If people come in fancy dress this year we'll be able to give out some prizes.

“The books have done wonders for the literary world and have tapped into an area which has caught kids' and adults' imaginations.

“With a film like this you can sell out a 10.30 in the morning show or a 10.30 at night show too.”

Are you excited about the latest Harry Potter film? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.