Record Fair return brings a chance to discover rarities and bargains

Singles, albums, CDs and Cassettes will be on offer from a number of specialist dealers

Vinyl collectors will get to thumb through thousands of LP and single recordings on Sunday with Banbury’s first Record Fair in a number of years.

As the vinyl revival continues to gather pace, Chris Oakes from Strummer Room Records has organised the event, with twelve specialist dealers from across the region attending, bringing thousands of vinyl records, CDs and cassettes.   Those hunting through will find rarities and bargains.

Chris said: “I know one person will be there with some rare punk singles and albums.   Some of them might be a few pounds and some of them which are quite rare could command a little bit more money.

“For those coming along for the first time there’ll be plenty for them – albums and singles for just a few pounds.”

Vinyl record sales have continued to soar despite the popularity of streaming services such as Spotify.

The British Phonographic Industry says that more than 2.7m LPs were sold in the first six months of 2023 – up 12 per cent from last year.

Chris feels that listening to vinyl is a more complete experience.   He said: “The whole package of vinyl is more special, with the artwork, the inserts and the fact that if you’re listening to an album in particular, you sit down and you listen to at least one side.   You’ll listen to six songs by that particular artist rather than one song as you would streaming.   Hearing just a track you don’t really get to know the rest of the music those artists are putting out.”

Banbury Record Fair will take place at Banbury United’s Station Approach ground on Sunday between 10am and 3pm.   If this weekend’s event is a success Chris plans to run more in the New Year.

---

Published: 20/10/2023 02:13pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

---