SINGAPORE : Shaw Lido Cineplex was transformed into a magical land on Tuesday evening.

Moviegoers got into the act and dressed up as characters from the latest Harry Potter instalment.

Also joining in the fun were MediaCorp artistes who were at the gala premiere of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix".

This is the fifth instalment of the Harry Potter movie series and it will open to the public here on Thursday.

What makes this movie stand out from the previous few is that the storyline is more complex. The characters will also face the challenges of young adulthood.

The movie is adapted from the popular Harry Potter book series. The seventh and final instalment will be released on 21st July.

Another anticipated attraction is the Harry Potter theme park called "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter", which is due to open in late 2009 in Florida.

It is a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Orlando Resort.

The attraction will feature rides and attractions from the Harry Potter series, written by British author J.K. Rowling. There will also be the Hogwarts school and the Forbidden Forest.

One movie-goer said: "I'm excited, in a way, to see what happened to Harry, whether he dies or survives. I'm sad in a way because after so many trials and tasks that Harry has to go through, and now it's coming to an end and there will be no more Harry Potter. As for the theme park itself, yes I would love to go there one of these days." - CNA/ch