UK Vinyl Sales to Reach 1 Million this Year for the First Time Since 1996

It seems that the popularity of vinyl records has rocketed in the UK this year with sales being at their highest point in almost 20 years. Billboard have reported that vinyl sales are currently around the 800,000 mark and with the all important Christmas selling period on the horizon, that number is set to definitely pass 1 million for the first time since 1996. This has already surpassed last years sales which were at 780,674 for the entire calendar year of 2013. It seems that vinyl records are enjoying a 'renaissance' of sorts, especially with the popularity growth of all things vintage and retro.

Vinyl sales are still only responsible for around 1 percent of all UK album revenue, with CD sales at 65 percent and digital album sales at 35 percent but the vinyl revival has been growing over the last few years, after hitting a low in 2007 when sales only just reached 200,000. Earlier this year, Jack White's album 'Lazaretto' was recently confirmed as the highest selling vinyl album since Pearl Jam in 1994. It accompanies 'AM' from the Arctic Monkeys and 'Definitely Maybe' from Oasis as the biggest sellers this year. 

Written for www.BEAT100.com

Lou Lou's Vintage Fair at Whitworth Hall, The University of Manchester

Today I had a rare weekend trip to campus to visit Lou Lou's Vintage Fair that was making an appearance in the beautiful Whitworth Hall. The Grade II listed building itself perfectly set the scene with its 19th Century Neo-gothic architecture. Inside was a hustle and bustle of activity, the whole room packed out with vintage lovers searching through boxes of berets, brooches and retro bags. A pop-up hair salon really put the icing on the cake, offering vintage hair styles and make up for just £10. With all of the activity (and the million things I wanted to buy) I didn't take as many pictures as I usually do but i'm taking that as a good sign!

I couldn't resist trying on some typical vintage fashion obviously!