MUSIC lovers packed out Truck Store in Oxford to celebrate the independent music hub’s sixth birthday with live bands, beer and cake.

The Cowley Road record store throws a party every year with performances from local acts and this year more than 50 people turned up to join the festivities on Friday.

Up and coming band Coldredlight and pop duo Candy Says kept fans entertained in what was a celebration of the Oxfordshire music scene.

Manager Carl Smithson said: “The store was packed and we had two great bands playing with a really good atmosphere - it was a proud evening.

“We have a birthday party each year and it has grown and grown as we have become more established and it’s now a real celebration of the Oxfordshire music scene.”

The independent music hub opened in February 2011 and has benefitted ever since from the rejuvenated success of the vinyl record.

Fans have queued around the block each year on Record Store Day to get their hands on special vinyl releases - with some standing outside as early as 4am on the national promotion day.

Mr Smithson said: “Sale of vinyl have increased over the years and I think people are connecting with the concept of the album.

“They want to buy the whole album, the piece of art, in the form its creator intended it to be heard.”

The shop has held live performances on Record Store Day in recent years with Jonny Payne & The Thunder, and Neverlnd – the band formerly known as Balloon Ascents, playing last year.

See The Guide in this Thursday’s Oxford Mail for a full report and pictures.