Galloping gargoyles ... Harry Potter turns 25 next year!

'Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone' front cover illustration by Thomas Taylor remains the same, however, eagle-eyed fans may spot some differences between the 25th anniversary cover and the original, including the text on the back cover and dust jacket flaps. Photo: Bloomsbury

How time flies. Our favourite boy wizard Harry Potter will be celebrating his 25th anniversary in the world of Muggles next year, with a whizz, pop and bang.

To mark this milestone, publishing company Bloomsbury has announced that it will be releasing a special commemorative edition of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, the first novel in the Harry Potter series that started it all.

Written by J.K. Rowling and first published in1997, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone had an initial hardback print run of just 500 copies. The series went on to sell over 500 million books worldwide, in over 80 languages.

This special anniversary hardback edition, featuring the much loved original cover design with artwork by Thomas Taylor, will be available for one year. The back cover features the iconic image of the bespectacled Professor Albus Dumbledore.

The dust jacket is emblazoned with a removable silver anniversary sticker, and inside, you will find additional bonus material.

The year-long anniversary campaign will see the launch of a few other publications, such as the house-themed "Hogwarts House Editions Box Sets", which comprises the entire Harry Potter series in paperback.

So, are you a Griffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Ravenclaw? With cover art and illustrations by Levi Pinfold, you can have the box set that best reflects your personality, on your bookshelf.

An updated version of the classic paperback edition of ‘Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone’, with illustrations by Jonny Duddle, will be released early next year. This anniversary edition will be emblazoned with a silver foil livery.

Next March, a paperback edition of Chris Riddell’s illustrated The Tales Of Beedle The Bard will be released, featuring an exclusive art print of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Besides these publications, 2022 will be filled with activities and events with a focus on children and new readers, including what is slated to be the biggest Harry Potter Night celebrations with "Magical Journeys" as its theme.

Bloomsbury will also be working closely with fans from around the world to generate content for a celebratory video and social media campaign. Special events will celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday on July 31, and extend through September to mark the yearly return to Hogwarts.