THE EVER-GROWING world of digital downloads has done nothing to deter Dunfermline music enthusiasts who are set to enjoy a record fair in the Kingsgate later this month.

Nostalgia and the appeal of getting hands on some collector's items are just some of the reasons behind the resurgence of music in a physical format, with vinyls in particular enjoying being back in fashion.

Chris Pleasance, of Allander Record Fairs, has been running the Dunfermline CD and Record Fair in the town since 1988. After 10 years at the King Malcolm Hotel, it switched to the City Hotel before making the move into shopping malls and will make its first appearance in the Kingsgate later this month.

"Record shops have found it hard to survive on the High Street," said Chris. "There are less and less big, mainstream music retailers like HMV.

"It's changed massively. In the 80s and 90s it was all about CDs and vinyls but now it's more of a niche thing. The ability to download music caused the industry to collapse but in the last five years or so the combination of streaming and internet sales have levelled off and there has been a real pick up in vinyl. It's more from a collectors side and it's been growing in the past few years.

"Even with all the downloading and streaming, people still like something tangible in their hands, especially when it comes to their favourite artists. Last year, Adele was the biggest-selling vinyl. Some people buy LPs for their covers, even if the records aren't in good condition, because they want to put the cover in a frame and hang it as a work of art on their wall.

"It's easy to buy online but people still like the experience of flicking through the records to see them."

The record fair will set up shop in the Kingsgate for the first time at the end of the month and Chris is looking forward to showing people what's on offer.

"There will be three or four different dealers with a massive selection of vinyls and CDs," he said. "What we find is with CDs, what's popular is music from the 60s and 70s, easy listening, and Scottish and Irish music. Vinyls are more specific, a lot of younger people are into finding classic stuff, iconic albums like Pink Floyd and the Beatles.

"I started the company in 1987 as a small record stall for a couple of years and it gradually started into fairs.

"Karen and the team at the Kingsgate have been very enthusiastic and I've had a lot of support from them."

The record fair will take place from Friday, January 29 to Sunday, January 31 in the Kingsgate during opening hours.

Make sure to pick up a copy of this week's Press for your chance to win a share of £100 in vouchers to spend at the record fair!