Norfolk’s Record Store Day crew shrinks from three to one within a year
Andrew Worsdale, owner of Holt Vinyl Vault, which sadly won't be taking part in Record Store Day in 2019. Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
The number of record shops in Norfolk taking part in Record Store Day will shrink from three to just one in 2019 as a Holt retailer has been forced to bow out.
Paul Mills, owner of Soundclash in St Benedict's Street, Norwich. The shop will be the only one in Norfork taking part in the 2019 Record Store Day. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Archant
Holt Vinyl Vault owner Andrew Worsdale said he was 'very disappointed' his shop was not able to take part in the Saturday, April 13 event.
The Cromer Road shop has taken part in Record Store Day for the past two years, along with around 250 others across the country, with many hosting live DJs and bands and running special promotions.
Mr Worsdale, 58, said: 'We assumed we would be taking part again - we meet all the criteria and we sell plenty of newly-pressed vinyl.'
He said they were barred from taking part by Record Store Day organisers, the Soho-based Entertainment Retail Association (ERA), because they did not sell enough newly-produced music.
Danielle Welham-Smith at Lewks record shop in Downham Market, which closed in 2018. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
But Mr Worsdale said that was difficult to do in Holt, where music fans were more likely to be into AC/DC than Ariana Grande.
He said: 'We do focus on older music because that's our demographic. We would love to sell more new music but I don't have a market for that.'
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But a spokeswoman from the association said it was not down to the age of the music sold that determined whether retailers could be part of Record Store Day.
She said: 'That wouldn't come into it much. It's more about whether you've got an active trading account with the record labels.
'There's a range of about 15 record store suppliers which supply records to the independent retailers.
'It's generally something that we work with shops with all year round.'
Lewks record store in Downham Market used to take part, but it closed down last year after 45 years in business.
That leaves Soundclash in the Norwich's St Benedict's Street as the sole shop in the county taking part.
Paul Mills, from Soundsclash, said they were planning on a big day, the highlight being a set from electro-punk duo the Sleaford Mods at 5pm. Mr Mills said: 'There'll be quite a lot happening this year for the 12th year of Record Store Day, and some special releases.'
Mr Worsdale said it was difficult to see how the Holt store could participate again in the future.
He said: 'We are very disappointed. We had really good reviews last year from people who did attend.
'But we're still going to have our own day, with DJs playing and special offers. We'll carry on.'
