SOME people rave about the sound quality, some about the artwork, while others love the thrill of tracking down a rare gem.

For record collectors, one thing is certain — modern technology will never replace the joy of dropping a needle into the groove on a vinyl record.

The first record fair to be held in Bolton in more than a decade is taking place this weekend, and it has sparked plenty of talk of a “vinyl revival”.

Adrian Melling, of Premier Fairs, which is organising Sunday’s event at the Holiday Inn in Bolton, said: “There’s a real renaissance.”

He said record fairs suffered a serious lull 10 years ago, but are slowly spreading — and their popularity is in part due to a backlash against digital technology.

“I think people are getting a little bit tired with downloads because they don’t get a lot for their money,” he said.

“People are starting to cherish the sleeves and the artwork more.”

Steve Meekings, owner of X-Records, in Bridge Street, believes that vinyl never really went away.

“People who are into music, really into music, are definitely into their vinyl,” he said.

“People get a feel for it — it has a more natural sound, plus you need to put a bit more effort in, it’s more rewarding.

You don’t just shove it into a CD player and hit repeat.”

Steve, who claims he does not know how to work an MP3 player, said it is not only second-hand records which sell — modern bands are now releasing albums and singles on vinyl again.

Adrian agrees that vinyl appeals to purists who like to hear their music sounding as close to the original recording as possible.

“If you have a decent turntable and sound setup, the sound is much better, much warmer and more humane,” he said.

But record-collecting is not all about a nostalgic love for the music — there is also some serious money involved.

Steve said most of the collectable items from the shop sell online, through their website or through the auction website eBay.

He said a copy of the Tom Robinson Band’s Glad To Be Gay had sat on the shelves for years marked at £10, but sold on eBay to a collector for £600.

Adrian said: “We sold a Beatles album for £500 in Nottingham on Saturday — a limited-edition box set with a book, all in mint condition.”

Buyers come from as far as Japan and will travel the UK for weeks before taking their haul back home and selling it for huge prices.

Vinyl record revival and music fair is on Sunday at the Holiday Inn, Higher Bridge Street, Bolton, 9am till 3pm.

kdibbits@theboltonnews.co.uk