The Story of VIP Record Fairs – A Legacy in Vinyl
Record fairs first took root in the late 1970s, when passionate collectors began gathering in the back rooms of North London pubs to swap prized finds. Before long, these informal meet-ups grew into proper events, popping up in town halls and church basements across the UK.
Spotting the trend was Rob Lythall, a soul DJ and record dealer with a sharp eye for opportunity. In 1980, he launched the very first VIP Record Fair—held on the third floor of the YMCA in Leicester.
From those modest beginnings, VIP Record Fairs grew to become the driving force behind the UK’s biggest vinyl events, hosted at legendary venues like Olympia, Wembley, the NEC, GMex, and SECC. Thousands of sellers have joined us along the way—many of whom went on to open well-known record shops and mail-order businesses still thriving today.
Fast forward to today, and VIP Record Fairs are stronger than ever. Long time employee, John Wallace, stepped up in 2019, to be Fairs Manager. John now runs all the events and is always available—before, during, and after—to support sellers and ensure everything runs smoothly. Rob retains MD role and is still heavily involved in VIP Record Fairs. His focus is on the development of the brand, sourcing new venues, working on new marketing ideas and making sure VIP’s hi standards are maintained. All this from his little corner of the office, with northern soul podcasts blaring away all day!
Why Visit Us?
At every VIP Record Fair, you’ll discover a treasure trove of vinyl LPs, 12”s, singles, CDs, music books, DVDs, and pop memorabilia.
Whether you’re into rock, indie, soul, punk, dance, jazz, R&B, or doo-wop, you’ll find something special from our diverse range of trusted dealers.
How We Work
Behind every VIP Record Fair is a simple promise: well-run events, great venues, and a safe, welcoming space for everyone.
Seamless Events and High Standards
From the moment you book with us to the moment you pack away after a successful VIP Record Fair, we’re with you every step of the way. Our dedicated full-time team ensures your experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible — from booking and setup to parking and beyond.
For over five decades, we’ve built our reputation on maintaining the highest standards in everything we do. From marketing and administration to selecting top-quality venues, we work tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver exceptional events.
That’s why we’re called VIP — because our sellers and buyers truly are treated like VIPs.
Safety & Accessibility
At VIP Record Fairs, we prioritise the comfort and safety of everyone who attends our events. We carefully select ground-level venues with easy access for all visitors, and most of our locations are fully accessible for those with disabilities.
We also strive to make loading and unloading as straightforward as possible for our sellers — though we do recommend bringing a small trolley or sack barrow to make things even easier.
To ensure your wellbeing, at least one event manager on-site is first aid trained — a crucial part of keeping busy events safe. In addition, most venue staff are trained in first aid and can quickly contact emergency services if required.
Every venue undergoes a full risk assessment to maintain the highest safety standards, and our managers conduct regular checks throughout each event.
All VIP Record Fairs are fully covered by public liability insurance, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy the day.
Got Records to Sell?
We’ve helped everyone from private collectors to ITV’s music library—so no collection is too large or too niche. Whether you’re downsizing or parting with a lifetime of collecting, we offer a friendly, expert, and professional service.
Be Part of the VIP record fairs Experience
Whether you’re looking to attend our next event or showcase your products, we’ve got the right platform for you.
