A new chapter in Antrim's music story is about to be written on vinyl, as record fair comes to town

A NEW chapter in Antrim’s musical story is about to be written - on vinyl!

On Saturday (March 7), music lovers, collectors and the simply curious are being encouraged to gather in the Back Shed at the Bridge End Bar for the inaugural Pop Up Record Fair. The event promises crates of vinyl, stacks of CDs, classic cassettes and a celebration of local music that reaches far beyond the turntable!

Behind the scenes, the team at PRSPR Antrim has been working purposefully to forge partnerships and make it happen. Known locally for their #PostivelyAntrim campaign, the group has set its sights on bringing fresh energy into the town centre.

The Record Fair is the latest step in PRSPR’s mission and follows the recent Love Antrim week on the lead up to St Valentine’s Day. If this first Record Fair proves to be a success, it is hoped that it will become a regular occurrence.

Arlene Creighton, Chair of PRSPR Antrim commented: “Our work and advocacy often happens quietly. But the ambition behind it is clear: encourage positivity, support local communities and business and create opportunities that draw people back into Antrim Town. The Pop Up Record Fair is designed to do exactly that.”

Long before streaming and downloads, many local music fans made their first discoveries in the much-loved Pop In record shop, which served Antrim faithfully for three decades. Originally located at Church Street before a move to the Castle Centre (now Mall), generations of customers browsed its shelves, saved pocket money for new releases, sought trusted recommendations from behind the counter and bought their big gig tickets.

The upcoming Record Fair tips its hat to that proud retail legacy, rekindling the spirit of independent music trading that the Pop In championed in the heart of the town.

Finding the right venue was crucial for all involved. The organisers wanted somewhere central, welcoming and steeped in local character and musical heritage. With the kind co-operation of the owner of the Bridge End Bar, the perfect location was identified in the space that is known affectionately to many as the Back Shed.

The space offers an intimate but lively bar setting, ideal for browsing crates, striking up conversations and letting music fill the air. Its central location makes it easily accessible, reinforcing PRSPR Antrim’s wider renewal goals for the town.

Running from 12pm to 5pm, the fair invites visitors to drop in, take their time and soak up the atmosphere. It is more than just a market. It is about creating new connections and reminding local people about the importance of social interactions and nurturing a ‘scene’ where we can all celebrate music together.

Central to the event is a partnership with a Belfast-based online record retailer. Allworthy Records is dedicated to keeping vinyl culture alive and accessible. Founded by Belfast-based record collector Roddy O’Flaherty, the business sells new and pre-owned vinyl and hosts record fairs designed to support independent sellers, encourage music discovery and create affordable, welcoming events for music lovers of all ages.

Through online activity and record fair appearances across Northern Ireland, Allworthy has helped nurture a vibrant vinyl community. Collaborations with other traders and pop-up events have drawn seasoned collectors and newcomers alike, proving that physical formats still matter in a streaming world. Now that expertise is coming to Antrim.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Roddy stated, “The Antrim Record Fair brings together local traders to create a friendly, community-driven event where music lovers can dig the record crates for new music, discover hidden gems and rekindle a passion for forgotten favourites. Record fairs are about proving that buying local is fun, affordable and part of a great day out.”

The Record Fair will give local collectors the chance to buy, sell and trade and perhaps rediscover albums they haven’t seen since their formative years. From classic rock and soul to indie, punk, electronic and everything in between, the event aims to offer something for every musical taste.

Adding another layer to the day is the involvement of local charity, Antrim Hospital Radio, which has been broadcasting since 1994 at Antrim Area Hospital.

Run entirely by volunteers, the station’s mission has always been simple: lift spirits through music, chat and connection. For patients facing difficult days, a familiar song or friendly voice can make a real difference.

Originally delivered through bedside headsets, the station now operates from a modern digital studio and streams online through its own app, extending its reach while maintaining its community heart.

At the Record Fair, Antrim Hospital Radio volunteers will provide the soundtrack along with showcasing the work they do within the hospital. It is a natural fit: a celebration of music not just as entertainment, but as comfort and community.

Their presence underlines the wider theme of the day - music bringing people together and any donations will be gratefully received to help sustain the vital work of Antrim Hospital Radio long into the future.

The Record Fair also carries special significance. It is the first event of the year to be promoted under the hashtag #PositivelyMADD30.

The campaign marks 30 years since the formation of Musicians of Antrim District Development, known locally as MADD Music. Speaking about the opportunity that the Record Fair provides, an original co-founder of MADD Music stated: “Thirty years after the birth of MADD, music once again provides a focal point for community spirit in Antrim. The Record Fair may last only five hours, but we hope that its impact could resonate much longer.”

Founded in 1996, MADD grew from a modest collective of local musicians into one of Northern Ireland’s most active community-focused music organisations. With support from the legacy Antrim Borough Council based at Clotworthy House, and support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, it delivered gigs, rock schools, accredited training, workshops, lessons, youth programmes and community initiatives.

For many young musicians in Antrim, MADD was a first stage, a first rehearsal room or a first chance to perform or record. Although the organisation was regrettably dissolved following the legacy Council merger with Newtownabbey, its influence still reverberates across the local music scene and beyond. The #PositivelyMADD30 banner is not about nostalgia alone - it is about recognising that grassroots creativity leaves a lasting mark and that new initiatives can build on those foundations.

The Record Fair is a symbolic starting point for that reflection.

In an age of digital playlists and algorithm-driven recommendations, record fairs might seem like a throwback to a bygone era. But their recent popularity tells a different story.

There is something tangible about holding a record sleeve, admiring original artwork and lowering a needle onto vinyl. There is something social about flipping through crates beside strangers who share the same passion. Conversations start easily when someone spots an album they love.

Record Fairs are not just about buying and selling. They are about discovery, finding a hidden gem, a forgotten B-side, or a pressing you did not know existed.

For younger people, they offer a gateway into physical music culture. For older collectors, they provide a chance to relive memories - and perhaps pass on part of their collection to new generations.

The Pop Up Record Fair Antrim takes place on Saturday 7 March from 12pm to 5pm in the Back Shed at the Bridge End Bar 19 Bridge Street, Antrim BT41 4DA

There is free admission and bar facilities will be open.