Record Store Day proves vinyl still hits all the right notes

Fans of the analog sound platform were out in force at Wimborne’s Square Records to get their hands on limited edition versions from some of the biggest names in music.

Some queued over night and by the time it came to opening the store in High Street at 8am there were 100 people waiting to get their hands on a selection of prized records.

The 11th instalment of Record Store Day saw labels provide traders with unique editions from their catalogues.

To promote and encourage support for independent record stores, the material was only available in store.

Popular vinyls on offer at Square Records included work from Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen and Florence and the Machine.

The uniqueness of the items varied, from a range of coloured vinyls and picture discs to exclusive albums and rare formats.

Paul Holman, manager of Square Records, said the annual event always proves to be popular in the town.

He said: “There were 100 people in the queue outside when we opened at 8am and people continued to come in throughout the day. We often find people go from shop to shop.

“I think the day reminds people there are still high streets and shops out there. The local bakers sold bacon butties to people in the queue, so everyone benefits from it really.”

Mr Holman’s family opened Square Records back in 1974.

Earlier this year it was reported that the future of the store had been saved by a fellow Wimborne business.

Malcolm Angel, who owns Gullivers Bookshop, approached Mr Holman and helped to secure the future of the business.

The store is set to relocate just around the corner from its current operation in June.

While Square Record’s future looks bright, Mr Holman said he sees no reason why vinyl records will go away any time soon.

“Vinyl survived the cassette, CD, digital, download and streaming so I think it will remain part of the music scene," he added.

“Sales will eventually peak, but there will always be a hard core of people who want vinyl.”