They might appear to be a relic of bygone days, but there's still a demand for the modest cassette. CDs and digital streaming appeared to spell the end for the mixtape, yet in a corner of Manchester's Northern Quarter they're flying off the shelves.

That's down to Mars Tapes, widely regarded as the last cassette shop in the UK. Operated by Alex Tadros and situated inside Manchester's independent shopping haven, Afflecks Palace, it's been hugely successful and is now gearing up for its next phase.

"After seven years of growth, we are entering into our third expansion. This time moving down to a much larger unit on the 1st floor of Afflecks Palace — one of the biggest units in the building," Alex says.

• Iconic 70s band unrecognisable 4 decades later amid stunning comeback


• Lily Allen kicks off West End Girl tour with world-first setlist

Mars tapes stocks a selection of classics, a 'Rewind' series — official tapes missing their paper inserts — mixtapes and consignments of new music from major labels.

The new premises will showcase an enlarged library of cassette tapes, a broader selection of refurbished vintage audio equipment, and the launch of the Mars Tapes Listening Cafe — a designated area where patrons can savour a coffee whilst listening to tapes from the shop's collection, reports the Manchester Evening News.

To mark the expansion, they're throwing a weekend party on March 7 and 8.

The venue will feature a Dave Haslam DJ set on the Sunday and a live gig from emerging Glasgow outfit Cowboy Hunters on the Saturday — the latter will be dropping a new EP on cassette through Sour Grapes Records.

The weekend will also welcome Horace Panter (The Specials), who will be showcasing his cassette artwork throughout both days. There will be a range of in-store discounts for various cassette products, with food and drinks specials available as well.

"Our cassette shop launched back in 2019 in perhaps the smallest unit in Afflecks Palace, and we never expected to grow in the way we have," adds Alex.

"Now in the midst of our third expansion, into one of the biggest spaces in the building we wanted to celebrate with all of the cassette aficionados that made it possible! We're offering food, drinks and in-store deals, alongside some fantastic live music from Cowboy Hunters, and DJ sets from Dave Haslam and Glue Tape Jockeys (a cassette DJ set).

"We're also excited to be bringing down Horace Panter of The Specials who will be exhibiting some of his fantastic cassette based artwork. It's gonna be a tape heads dream weekend and we can't wait to welcome everyone down to the new store."

The launch celebration will run on March 7 and 8 at Afflecks Palace, 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW. Complimentary tickets can be secured via Skiddle.