Medway bands will have a new platform to boost their profile this weekend in the shape of a good, old-fashioned record fair.

Recollect Music Fair holds its first event at MidKent College in Medway Road, Gillingham on Sunday, February 11.

Organiser Graham Sage is inviting bands to sell their CDs and merchandise free of charge alongside the usual stall holders.

Formerly the owner of Recollect Records in Strood, Graham shut up shop four years ago but has continued to run Recollect Music Fairs at Rainham Mark Social Club, until redevelopment at the club forced him to move.

Extra space at the new venue inspired him to bring in a new twist by creating a platform for bands to reach a new audience.

“I’ve always supported local bands,” said Graham. “I’ve run record shops and I’ve always had a section for local bands.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to have a small space for bands to set up and sell their wares – CDs, LPs, T-shirts and whatever they’ve got. They can have a chat with people and generally help the scene.”

Supporting the music scene’s grassroots is something Graham has been doing for decades, and he even helped out a budding Billy Childish with his early combo The Pop Rivets in the 1970s.

But with fewer music venues offering new talent the chance to find an audience, Medway Music Fair is likely to have a number of new faces queuing up to join in.

“There’s enough bands around, but years ago there were lots of places to play as well,” said Graham. “There doesn’t seem to be as many places to play now.”

Music fans can also expect the usual variety of record and CD dealers old and new offering an immense range of vinyl, CDs, DVDs, books and memorabilia.

The fair is open from 9.30am to 3.30pm. For more details you can call Graham on 01227 506368 or 07715 635152.

* Record Store Day – when more than 200 independent record shops across the UK come together to celebrate their unique culture – will be held this year on Saturday, April 21.