The Department of Commerce of the Orihuela City Council has presented the first edition of the Record Fair, which will be held on November 7th and 8th at the La Lonja Auditorium. The event will bring together specialized stores, collectors, and music fans throughout the weekend, offering a wide range of records in various formats and three vinyl music sessions by professionals linked to Orihuela.
The Councilor for Commerce, Vicente Pina, accompanied by music producer Óscar Ferrer, has detailed the aspects of this new initiative. Organized by the City Council and directed by bailamamá Music, the fair aims to boost commercial activity, attract visitors, and create a meeting point for lovers of music and record collecting.
The fair will take place both inside and outside La Lonja, with opening hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM on both days. Attendees will be able to find various specialized stalls, purchase records from different eras and styles, discover old editions, and enjoy an atmosphere centered on music.
Vicente Pina highlighted that this proposal is part of the work of the Department of Commerce to encourage public attendance and support local businesses. "We are promoting activities that we consider important for people to move around our city, for that commercial movement we need to exist, and for our streets to be alive," he stated.
The councilor explained that the choice of a record fair responds to the continued interest in vinyl, a format that has maintained its appeal despite changes in the music industry and new technologies. "Many of us thought vinyl would disappear with new ways of listening to music and, yet, it remains alive and probably more alive than ever," he affirmed.
The Record Fair will offer a variety of record material, including vinyl, CDs, and cassettes. Participating establishments will offer LPs, singles, maxi-singles, EPs, reissues, out-of-print records, second-hand items, and special editions, both national and international, covering numerous musical genres.
One of the main attractions will be the participation of Discos Bora Bora, a specialized store from Granada run by Don Gonzalo, an Orihuela native with a recognized career in the record sector. Vicente Pina expressed his satisfaction at having this professional, highlighting the importance of maintaining ties with Orihuela natives who conduct their activities outside the municipality.
Don Gonzalo, in addition to participating as an exhibitor and offering a music session, is collaborating in the selection and coordination of the specialized stores. Details of the participating establishments are being finalized to offer a varied and attractive proposal.
Music producer Óscar Ferrer thanked the City Council for its support of a proposal with which he has a special personal connection due to his fondness for vinyl. "I really value the concept of an album, of listening to a complete album, versus the current trend of consuming individual songs," he indicated, noting that there are many people in Orihuela who collect records and keep this hobby alive.
One of the fair's objectives is to bring together people of different generations who share an interest in music and to foster the exchange of experiences. "We want to create a meeting point where people can see records, listen to music, talk about it, and enjoy themselves," explained Ferrer.
The program will include three vinyl DJ sessions by Vanessa Beegirl (Saturday 7th, 12:00 PM), Don Gonzalo from Discos Bora Bora (Saturday 7th, 6:30 PM), and Pana Pinchadiscos from La Gramola (Sunday 8th, 12:00 PM). Óscar Ferrer highlighted the career of Pana Pinchadiscos, who has been involved with vinyl music since 1991.
The organizers are also working on an ambient setting for the venue that will include graphic elements, phrases, and historical references to explain the evolution of music recording and playback formats. "There are many interesting things to tell about the history of vinyl," commented Ferrer.
The fair will also feature the participation of La Alacena de la Vega, a store specializing in gastronomic products from the Vega Baja del Segura, which will offer a complementary service to visitors.
Vicente Pina emphasized the importance of promoting purchases in local businesses and recalled that the maintenance of commercial activity also depends on citizens' purchasing decisions. "We have to be aware that our businesses need our support," he stated.
Finally, the councilor invited the residents of Orihuela and the Vega Baja to visit the Record Fair, enjoy the music, and take the opportunity to stroll through the city and visit local shops.
