Jumbo day of live entertainment as Leeds music store celebrates its 40th birthday

As well as hit soul artist Corinne Bailey Rae’s stellar performance at the St John’s Centre, Leeds, fans were treated to performances from up and coming British artists and bands.

These included Yorkshire country blues singer Serious Sam Barrett, pop folk band Ellen & the Escapades and the Newcastle band Lanterns on the Lake.

And to make sure the bash went with a bang Jumbo Records joined forces with Revolutionary Brewing Company to create an exclusive birthday beer which is available for a limited time across bars, pubs, clubs and other venues in Leeds.

On Friday Hunter Smith, owner of Jumbo Records, said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating our 40th birthday with music fans across Leeds and Yorkshire.

“The day is going to be packed with great music and a fantastic vibe to help us mark a brilliant occasion.

“We hope to bring a huge crowd down on the day and everyone is welcome to join us in the celebrations.”

Jumbo Records started as a simple sideline for a mobile DJ keen to make a bit of extra cash in the afternoon.

In fact, Mr Smith had to be persuaded to sell records in the back of his friend’s cassette and tape equipment store in the autumn of 1971.

It has long been a bolthole for collectors of rare and new music flicking through the rows and rows of vinyl.

A band of dedicated staff are always keen to offer help and track down any requests – as long as it’s not classical music.

Mr Smith, who named the shop after his disco and DJ business Jumbo Mobile Discotheque, said of the store’s longevity:

“I think our secret has always been our good service.

“We have a good staff who know their onions and can help source most things.

“People who are serious about their music can never get that on the internet.”

The store’s boom years came with the start of the punk era. He added: “We just seemed to be in the right place at the right time when it started. The place used to be absolutely packed on a Monday when the new singles came out.”