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Manchester’s cult cassette destination Mars Tapes is entering a bold new chapter, expanding into one of the largest units inside legendary Afflecks as it celebrates seven years of steady, analogue-fuelled growth.
Dubbed The Last Cassette Shop in the UK, the independent retailer has moved into a much bigger first-floor space in the iconic Northern Quarter building, marking its third expansion since first opening its doors in 2019.
What began in one of the smallest units in Afflecks has grown into a thriving hub for tape collectors, music obsessives and lovers of all things lo-fi. The new store boasts an even larger selection of cassette displays, expanded vintage audio equipment offerings, and - for the first time - a listening café space where visitors can grab a coffee and spin a tape.
To celebrate the expansion, Mars Tapes is hosting a 'tape-heads dream weekend', on 7–8 March, featuring live music, DJ sets, art and in-store exclusives.
Saturday will see a live performance from up-and-coming Glasgow band Cowboy Hunters, who are releasing a brand new EP on cassette via Sour Grapes Records. Manchester’s much-loved trash country outfit HONK will also perform an acoustic set as part of the expanded celebrations.
On Sunday, legendary Manchester DJ and author Dave Haslam will take to the decks for a special DJ set. Throughout the weekend, visitors can also catch the shop’s very own Glue Tape Jockeys delivering a unique cassette DJ set - spinning tapes instead of turntables.
Adding to the line-up is Horace Panter of The Specials, who will be exhibiting his cassette-based artwork across both days.
There will also be food, drinks and a selection of in-store offers across a range of cassette merchandise, with the Mars' team expecting a busy turnout following strong sign-ups for the free event.
Alex Tadros, co-owner of Mars Tapes, said: “Our cassette shop started back in 2019 in perhaps the smallest unit in Afflecks Palace, and we never expected to grow in the way we have. 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. 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!”
With its expanded footprint, café addition and stacked launch line-up, Mars Tapes is proving that the cassette revival isn’t just nostalgia - it’s thriving - and it’s right at home in the heart of Manchester’s independent scene.
Header Image: Mars Tapes new space
