Everything that was good about vinyl records took centre stage as fans and musicians gathered in Carlisle for National Record Store Day.

At the city's Vinyl Cafe in Abbey Street there was no shortage of good old-fashioned records, as well as a steady stream of people who were brought together by their passion for the format in an age where digital dominates.

Now in its tenth year, Record Store Day reflects the ongoing national vinyl revival.

But why are so many music fans turning back the clock and seeking out records that until recently were consigned in many homes to the attic, where they had lain half-forgotten and gathering dust?

“Digital music is handy, but I'm not a lover of it,” said Tara Quinn, who is in her thirties and from Stanwix, Carlisle.

“I grew up with old-style record players and when you own a record you've got something tangible; something you can hold. I know digital music is very easily accessible, which is great but you can't hold it in your hands.

“And if something goes wrong with a download you've lost it.”

While in the event on Saturday, Tara bought the latest vinyl release from local band Hardwicke Circus, called Social Music. The band's singer-guitarist Jonny Foster, there to support the event with fellow musicians, explained why he loves vinyl.

“You hear stuff on vinyl that you'd never hear through your headphones when you're listening to digital music,” he said.

“The music business has become institutionalised. I first heard vinyl records listening to my dad's record collection. There's an energy you just don't get with digital music and there's a social element to it.”

Jonny's dad Howard Foster, 57, expanded the point: “With records, you have to put them on, and you tend to sit down and make time for listening to the music.

“It's more of an occasion.

“I think there'll always be a market for vinyl records; and it would be nice for the bands commerically too if there was more of a revival because it is so easy for people who want to pirate digital music.”

Also at the event were west Cumbrian father and son Gerard Wlliamson, 62, and Matthew, 13. Asked about why he was there, the teenager said: “It's good to have a physical copy of the music as a record. You can't hold a download.”

His father – proudly clutching a copy of Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here and Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon and Garfunkel – added: “I remember having these records years ago. One of the things about having a record is the art work that goes into the covers.

“It's nice to have that back.”

Vinyl Cafe owner James Brown, a former landscape gardener, said he followed his gut instinct about the format when he opened the business last July, and as dozens of fans milled around his shop he said he had no regrets.

“I've always had a passion for music,” he explained.

“I play guitar and write songs. Vinyl is still the most durable format; and it represents the closest that an artist can get to the sounds they had in the studio. There's a warmth to the quality of the music.

“Some of the best albums of all time were on vinyl.”

Saturday's event was supported by several local bands who played live, including mylittlebrother, Hardwicke Circus, Sugarspun, and Kontiki Suite, while there were also sets from Dan Mason and Ben Singh.