Sales of cassette tapes in the UK are now at the highest they have been since 2003, with Harry Styles and Arctic Monkeys spearheading the change.
With the annual Record Store Day coming up this Saturday 22 April, music lovers across Leeds and the UK are set to flock to their nearest independent trader to celebrate.
Most people have grown to accept the resurgence of vinyl and have been welcoming it with open arms – but now, it seems the retro revival is ready to take one step further.
The time for a cassette comeback is here.
A recent analysis from by The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has found that, although they still remain lower than vinyl, cassette sales have increased consecutively every year for the last 10 years.
Image: Domino Records
The total number of sales have risen from 3,823 in 2012 to more than 195,000 in 2022.
And to make it even more impressive, all 20 of the biggest-selling cassettes in 2022 were actually released in that year, rather than historic releases – with popular artists including Arctic Monkeys, Harry Styles and Florence + the Machine leading the charge and claiming the top spots on the list.
Paul Williams, spokesperson for the British Phonographic Industry, said he can easily see cassettes following in the footsteps of vinyl over the next few years.
He believes cassettes are already experiencing a similar trajectory to records.
Image: Unsplash
“Not long ago, people would have written off the cassette, but I think you have to learn the lessons of the vinyl market which had an incredible revival,” Mr Williams admitted to Sky News.
“It’s something at a lower level, but it is happening now with cassettes.
“There’s this return for people wanting to own music, to go out and buy, and what we’ve noticed with the cassette market is that the cassettes, and the artists that are doing well, are artists with real fan bases.”
Plans have been lodged to transform the former Henderson's Relish factory.
The University of Sheffield wants to turn the iconic building into an events, retail and office space.
The building that stands on the corner of Hanover Way and Leavygreave Road previously secured planning permission to be turned into a cafe and events space, but the development never went forward.
The new plans would see the ground floor being used for events such as open days and career fairs, whilst the first floor would be used as a marketing office.
The space would also include a shop selling university merchandise.
In documents submitted to the council, the plans said: "The proposals will result in no harm to the significance of the building or the surrounding heritage assets and are considered to be of public and heritage benefit as a result of bringing the building back into active use."
The striking building dates all the way back to the 19th century having previously been used as a factory to produce Henderson's Relish from 1959 until 2013 when the company relocated to Sheffield Parkway.
So it's safe to say that it really is part of Sheffield's history.
Planners on behalf of the university said: "Overall, it is considered that the proposal will preserve and enhance the character of the building and maintain its status as a key prominent building within this part of the Conservation Area."
What do you think of this then? Is this a good use of one of Sheffield city centre's most iconic buildings?
Grade-II listed city centre bar to open East Asian-inspired street food kitchen
Clementine Hall
Howard Assembly Room to launch new bar with permanent kitchen from Yuzu Street Food.
HAR bar, the intimate Grade II-listed space beneath Leeds City Centre's multi-disciplinary venue, the Howard Assembly Room,will now open five days a week with a brand new permanent food partner.
If you're not familiar York’s Yuzu Street Food, then allow us to fill you in.
First established in York following an enlightening culinary trip to Asia in 2019, Yuzu Street Food is now recognised as one of the north’s finest street food vendors.
Image: Supplied
Serving up contemporary takes on bao buns, fried chicken, ramen, katsu curry and much more; Yuzu are set to be the perfect addition to the Howard Assembly Room and its new bar HAR.
First launched in February, a programme of improvements saw the space previously occupied by the restaurant Kino transformed into the HAR bar.
An intimate venue in the cultural heart of the city, HAR bar guests can now enjoy fresh coffee, quality cocktails and a rotation of beers from breweries including Leeds institution Kirkstall Brewery throughout the week.
Image: Supplied Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yuzu Street Food will open at HAR on Friday 15 May.
Michael Wilkinson, Director of Strategy and Commercial, said: “We are very excited to be welcoming Yuzu to HAR bar, with their Asian-inspired street food providing the perfect accompaniment to our range of drinks and firmly establishing HAR bar as one of Leeds’ leading spots to meet and eat.
"We want everyone in the city to feel that this is their space, where great music, a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service combine to create a truly special place that embodies the city’s creativity while also supporting Opera North’s outreach work across the north.
Chris Hargroves, Yuzu Founder & CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be back in Leeds city centre! Leeds has always shown us incredible support and energy and returning really feels like coming home. We’re excited to reconnect with the community, welcome familiar faces and introduce our new menu items to the new ones. Working with such a prestigious venue as the Howard Assembly Room is something we’re absolutely buzzing about and we can’t wait to fire up the woks!”
The Hoot -
20th April 2023 
