AN “ALTERNATIVE” record market set to emulate a legendary London event is being launched at a long-standing Rayleigh nightclub.

The Pink Toothbrush plans to launch the monthly event in September and thousands of people are already showing support.

The nightclub was going to open to revellers on Friday as the remaining Covid restrictions are eased, but bosses have decided to wait a bit longer as infections rise.

Bosses at the club, shut since March 2020, say the record market is based on a long-running event at the legendary Electric Ballroom in Camden, London.

Promoter, Russell Lee, said as many as 10,000 people showed their support for the market online when he asked for feedback.

Read more: New park-and-ride, homes and supermarket near Southend A127 Tesco

He said: “It will be an alternative record fair. It was my idea and went down an absolute storm and I am thinking along the lines of the one held at the Electric Ballroom in Camden.

“It will be mostly CDs and vinyls and I’ve already got a few sellers involved. It will be open to our customers bases.

“The reaction has been brilliant and lots of people are interested and want to come and get involved.

“We are planning for 24 stalls. The first market will be on Sunday September 5 and then on the first Sunday of each month.”

The venue, which has been selling merchandise during the pandemic, says the market will most likely run from 11am until 4pm.

Mr Lee “There are a few records fairs in Southend but nothing in a club like this and I think the interest is down to people being keen to get out after the lockdowns and also as it’s caught people’s imagination.”

The club is still working out what to do with suggested vaccine passports. He said bosses are meeting with council chiefs for talks before reopening.