Hundreds of independent record shops across the country have opened their stores early to welcome in collectors and music fans. Stores are selling limited edition records from memorable artists. The UK, from London to Manchester and Brighton to Glasgow, is surging with music fans on this day, with early commitments from many to secure the music they know and love, along with the limited editions.

The day of celebrating music launched in 2007, created to support independent record shops and to celebrate the culture of vinyl listening. After almost two decades after this launch, the event is bigger than ever before, with citizens of the UK still showing up to appreciate the music scene in this way. Music lovers and vinyl enjoyers are keeping the record industry alive, and maintaining a thriving market for independent sellers across the music network of the country.

In the year 2026, the music industry has seen multiple pivots in genre popularity and trends with a wide span of different genres and artists. The Record Store Day finds can include collectible formats of some of the leading artists of today and the past, including coloured vinyl, picture discs and unreleased material. Many artists’ material is sought after on this day, with some exclusively available today, such as Charli XCX’s vinyl release of ‘Party 4 U’ as 7″ crystal clear vinyl with an etched side. Also, a pink coloured vinyl exclusive of David Bowie’s ‘Hallow Spaceboy’, was available out of the many records of the day.

Shop owners have reported some of the high-demand titles sold out within minutes this morning, such as those who run The In Groove, Plaid Room, and Toad Hall. For many fans, getting there early to minimise missing out on these crucial records is very important on this day. In the case for retailers, the day represents a huge boost in their annual revenue, but also an opportunity to attract new customers who may return beyond the event itself.

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As the queues subsided and left the stores with empty shelves, Record Store Day has proved to be another success for the music scene. With the rise of vinyl collection, music is still proving that despite the rise of digital media, the immersive experience of record owning is like no other.

Record Store Day UK have scheduled their 19th edition of the event for Saturday April 18. The initiative, first kick-started in the US in 2007, has been running in the UK since the first official event on April 19 2008, with the aim of celebrating and promoting physical media formats, primarily vinyl, and the vendors that sell them.

The UK version of Record Store Day (RSD) will endorse over 280 independent record stores across the length and breadth of the country, hoping to drive up customer footfall and assert vinyls, cassettes and CDs as viable media formats. In order to dissuade shoppers from using online platforms like Amazon, they partner with artists to develop limited-run releases and reprints, only made available to their collaborating high street stores.

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While this year’s participating artists have yet to be revealed, RSD’s UK website lists their exclusive members and their products from 2025. Their official ambassador for last year’s event was English singer Sam Fender, who released a special EP titled ‘Me And The Dog’, featuring two new singles. He followed in the footsteps of legendary artists like Dave Grohl, of Foo Fighters and Nirvana fame, Oasis’s Noel Gallagher, and Sir Elton John, as well as more recent stars like Taylor Swift and The 1975.

Last year’s haul of special editions included an extremely wide range of music. Many of the artists listed are no longer with us, with the likes of David Bowie, Marc Bolan’s group T. Rex, and Prince, whose posthumous reissues have the potential to become valuable collectibles. Elsewhere, the event drew the input of many current trendsetters, with Charli XCX bringing LP ‘Number One Angel’ and single ‘Guess’ featuring Billie Eillish, Taylor Swift adding a 7-inch version of her single ‘Fortnight, and Gorillaz donating ‘Demon Days Live From The Apollo Theater’, which celebrated 20 years since the original album debuted.

RSD also seeks to partner with brands who align with their mission statement, and this year’s main sponsor is BBC Radio 6 Music, the BBC’s station with the strongest focus on celebrating and promoting music. As well as this, they use the occasion to support various charities and non-profit organisations, with RSD 2026 joining with War Child, an international charity which endeavours to aid and protect children who have been victims of conflict.

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War Child’s Head of Music, Rich Clarke, who oversees their fundraising projects with musicians, said “We’re honoured to the be the official charity partner and to use that platform to give vital support by children affected by conflict around the world.”

Market statistics seem to show significant positive trends in regards to physical media sales in the UK. Indeed, the British Phonographic Industry found that vinyl sales had increased by 1.4 per cent between 2024 and 2025, racking up 7.4 million units sold. With Record Store Day set to bring another year of new incentive for in-person sales, this could be a very big year for our artists and wholesalers.

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Celebrating Marr, as well as local record stores, a plaque for the 61-year old has been unveiled at one of the musician’s regular haunts. Located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, and just a short walk from Afflecks Palace, Piccadilly Records became one of the most important record stores in the country in the post-punk boom that came out of the North West, and has been Marr’s record store of choice for almost 50 years.  

The former Smiths guitarist used the opportunity to highlight just how important independent record shops are, saying, “Going out to a record store, it’s a nice pastime. It’s a part of the culture; if they were to completely disappear, the high street or the city centre would be a much worse off place. There’s something about the presence of a record store. It’s a magical thing. I’ve known the staff in Piccadilly Records for 20 years…this plaque is a very nice thing to be associated with.”

@recordstoreday Announcing @Johnny Marr Official as the official Record Store Legend 2025 This award was presented to Johnny Marr at his favourite indie record shop #PiccadillyRecords by @Record Store Day US and Record Store Day UK for both his influence on music and his unwavering support of indie record shops worldwide. “There’s something about the presence of a record store. It’s a magical thing. I’ve known the staff in Picadilly Records for 20 years…this plaque is a very nice thing to be associated with.’’ – Johnny Marr Marr has consistently championed record stores worldwide across multiple album campaigns and will be celebrating #RecordStoreDay ♬ original sound – Record Store Day UK

Andy McQueen, who has worked at Piccadilly Records for over 30 years, said, “Johnny Marr is our favourite living artist, and his music has soundtracked our lives for over forty years. To be associated with him in this beautiful way; well, the pleasure, the privilege is ours.” Speaking to Mancunian Matters in 2015, McQueen described Record Store Day as “brilliant, saying “It brings in a whole new load of customers. I love the spirit of the day.”

Marr will be one of over 400 artists to be participating in this year’s Record Store Day offerings, releasing an exclusive orange double LP called ‘Look Out Live!’. The album will be a live record, recorded at his Hammersmith Apollo show in 2024, and will be released alongside the countless other records on 12 April. According to the Record Store Day website, the album “encapsulates the magic of the culmination of his 2024 Spirit Power tour”, and features tracks from across his impressive 40 year career. Those include ‘This Charming Man’, ‘Getting Away With It’, and ‘Armatopia’. The full track listing can be found here.

2025 won’t be Marr’s first collaboration with the celebratory event, having previously participated in 2015 with his single, ‘I Feel You’, in 2022 with Vince Clarke’s remix of Marr’s ‘Spirit Power and Soul’, as well as various releases from The Smiths and Electronic.

In February, MXDWN UK previewed Record Store Day 2025, highlighting the most sought after records of this year’s edition. Among them are Taylor Swift’s ‘Fortnight’, an Oasis greatest hits compilation titled ‘Times Flies’, two Charlie xcx records, including her collaboration with Billie Eilish, ‘Guess’, and Sam Fender’s EP, ‘Me and the Dog’.

The Oasis Time Flies Record Store Day UK reissue has landed! We even opened one up to show it off a bit. Available in store from 8am Saturday 12th April, first come, first served!@recordstoredayuk.bsky.social

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— Bear Tree Records (@beartreerecords.bsky.social) 2 April 2025 at 20:05

 For Marr, this isn’t just another trophy in a cabinet full of awards, it is recognition for being part of a wave that has seen the record store revived. In 2024, vinyl sales accounted for £196 million of physical sales, compared to £126 million in CD sales. Considering Marr’s place in post-punk history, Piccadilly Records is a fitting home for his plaque.

Reintroducing the initiative, which was originally launched in 2020, its aim supported the reusability of CDs and vinyls, saving them from the devastating impact of landfills. However, the Covid pandemic initially cut the scheme short – but has been reinstated again.

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Independent record stores such as Rough Trade and Sister Ray are set to pilot the new service that welcomes vinyl records, CDs, and their packaging – no matter the size or condition – for eco-friendly recycling. Vinyl records and CDs are crafted from distinct plastics – vinyl from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and CDs from polycarbonate – both of which can linger in landfills for centuries before breaking down. 

Building on its own insights, Key Production Group has revamped the service in response to the vinyl resurgence and the growing popularity of records among Gen Z – this claim comes from a 2023 study which showed vinyl sales had grown by nearly 15% in the first nine months of the year. Music lovers can easily send their vinyl records and CDs to Key Production Recycling, where they undergo a process known as mechanical recycling. The records and discs are shredded into small fragments, then transported off-site to be melted down. The resulting material is transformed into granules of recycled PVC and polycarbonate, which are then supplied to manufacturers to use in new products. 

The announcement comes in light of an increasing demand for sustainability within the music industry, with vinyl production companies adopting a environmentally-friendly approach. John Service, Strategy and Sustainability Director of Key Production Group commented, “Sustainablity is a vital part of our identity here at Key Production Group and the idea to develop Key Production Recycling was born from our commitment to understanding and managing the lifecycle of physical music products, prompting us to ask: what happens when they can no longer be used. We are so excited to be working with labels and record stores across the country and allow the public to utilise something that is so beneficial in extending a product’s lifespan.” 

Managing Director of Rough Trade, Lawrence Montgomery, continued: “Being able to provide a solution that’s not only sustainable but that will also have a positive impact on the life cycle of a product is really important to us at Rough Trade. Key Production Recycling is and will continue to be beneficial for us at Rough Trade and our facilities and we’re lucky to be able to use this great system!” 

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Record sales are expected to soar again ahead of the 18th edition of Record Store Day April 12. The event will showcase more than 270 independent record shops nationwide, with thousands more participating worldwide. As tradition dictates, the celebration will include a lineup of in-store parties and a tribute to the vibrant culture of indie record stores. 

Have you checked out the #RSD25 list yet? Tell us your top picks in the comments below https://t.co/YdFzKBjkYM

— Record Store Day UK (@RSDUK) February 6, 2025

Record Store Day has become an annual celebration ever since it first started in 2008, and now it is more famous and popular than ever with all the best selling artists in the world joining in. While the initial goal of the event was that to support small and independent record stores, it has now become a staple in the music culture and a date that vinyl collectors await with much excitement, as it is the one day in the year where we can all get our hands on a new, very limited edition, a recording from decades ago or a special deluxe edition which will only be available on the day.

Among the most anticipated records are:

1. Taylor Swift – ‘Fortnight’

The lead single from Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department‘ will be available on 7″ white vinyl, with one side featuring the song and one side featuring ‘Fortnight [BLOND:ISH Remix]’ which will be available for the first time on vinyl.

2. Oasis – ‘Compilation Time Flies‘

The compilation which ranges from 1994 to 2009 will be available for the first time on vinyl.

3. Charli xcx – ‘Number 1 Angel’ 

The artist’s third mixtape, originally released in 2017. It was only released on vinyl as a double pressing with ‘Pop 2‘ and will be released on a new pressing for the first time ever for RSD.

4. Charli xcx and Billie Eilish – ‘Guess’

The collaboration between Billie Eilish and Charli xcx, which earned them a number one on the UK songs chart and was included in MXDWN’s best songs of 2024, will be released for the first time on vinyl.

5. Sam Fender – ‘Me and the Dog‘

British singer and songwriter Sam Fender was announced as the ambassador for this year’s edition of Record Store Day. The artist will also be releasing an exclusive RSD pressing of a special six tracks EP titled ‘Me and the Dog‘, which will also include two brand new tracks.

Other artists that are releasing special editions or limited pressing of their music for RSD include Fred Again with the very first release on vinyl of the EP ‘Actual Life Piano Sessions’, a new live recording from Elton John, a live recording edition of ‘The Secret of Us’ by Gracie Abrams and Griff ‘Live at Alexandra Palace’.

The full list is available here, and RSD also offers a feature to check which store close to you will be participating.

The Record Store Day edition will see the band put a fresh spin on the track through their collaboration with Beggars Arkive, marking another collaboration between the pair following their rendition of breakthrough single, ‘Indian Rope’ for last year’s event.

Remastered by Frank Arkwright and Abbey Road Studios and released via Beggars Banquet imprint Situation Two, ‘The Only One I Know’ vinyl will be accompanied with two other tracks, ‘Imperial 109’ and ‘Everything Changed’.

Comprising of lead vocalist  Tim Burgess, guitarist Mark Collins, bassist Martin Blunt and keyboardist Tony Rogers, The Charlatans captivated listeners with their second single, ‘The Only One I Know’, from their 1990 debut album ‘Some Friendly’, securing them a spot at no. 9 on the UK Singles Chart. Over 30 years since its initial release, the single has become a nostalgic track which soundtracked the 1990s with its mind-blowing basslines, electrifying melody and Burgess’ euphonic vocals.

According to a press release for the announcement, the exclusive vinyl marks one of two special releases in collaboration with Record Store Day 2025.

While referencing the prominence of the track, the press release stated it was “a defining moment in the baggy era, it remains a club favourite and a key part of the band’s legacy. Over 30 years later, now remastered and available on picture disc, its hypnotic groove is set to captivate listeners for decades still to come.”

We’ll be releasing two records for @RSDUK 2025:
Wonderland 2LP set with six bonus tracks on white and red vinyl
The Only One I Know 12” picture disc
More info: https://t.co/Nqvs8umu27 #RSD25 pic.twitter.com/AoToPhBzuL

— The Charlatans (@thecharlatans) February 6, 2025

Alongside Charlatans, it has already been confirmed that both Post Malone and Sam Fender will be this year’s ambassadors for the event set to take place on Saturday April 12. The latter has revealed a limited-edition six-track EP, ‘Me And The Dog’ will be released on 12” vinyl, following the scheduled release of his third album ‘People Watching’, set to release 21 February. The West Midlands rockers and Fender will join an already extensive list of UK artists that have released exclusives for previous Record Store Day‘s, including: The 1975, Kate Bush, Noel Gallagher and Elton John (to name a few).

Available in over 270 independent record shops over the big day, it is evident this year’s Record Store Day will be unforgettable. Check out the event’s website for more information.

First established in the United States in 2007 and brought to the UK in 2008, Record Store Day has become a key date in the music calendar. More than 270 independent record stores across the UK—from London’s iconic Rough Trade to specialty shops like Maidinvinyl in Aberdeen—will participate. A store locator tool is available on the event’s website to help attendees find local events.

At its core, the day revolves around exclusive releases that artists create specifically for the occasion. Last year’s releases came from a wide array of artists, including Kate Bush, who offered a 10-inch vinyl of ‘Eat the Music‘ as the UK ambassador. The Cure celebrated the 40th anniversary of ‘The Top’ with a picture disc. Other highlights included Pixies, The Flirtations, Pharoah Sanders, Sun Ra, Young Fathers,  Soul Jazz Records, Paramore, and Sleater-Kinney, among others, with Rough Trade offering limited editions for albums like ‘This Is Why’ by Paramore.

Record stores will also host live music, DJ sets, and artist signings, making the day as much about the experience as the records themselves. Participating stores often feature performances from local bands, offering an additional layer of discovery for attendees.

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The event also underscores a broader trend: the resurgence of vinyl in the streaming age. In 2022, vinyl sales in the UK surpassed CDs for the first time in decades, and Record Store Day has been instrumental in this renaissance. It isn’t just a cultural celebration; it’s an economic lifeline for independent record shops. In 2024, the event drove vinyl to account for 37.2% of the UK albums market during its chart week, according to the ERA. Music consumption is at an all time high and limited-edition releases and increased foot traffic bring a vital boost to small retailers, while artists use the day to strengthen fan connections with exclusive offerings. As Drew Hill of Utopia Music puts it, vinyl is firmly “back at the heart” of music campaigns, benefiting both shops and musicians alike.

This year’s partners highlight the event’s growing cultural cachet. Collaborations include BBC Radio 6, long a champion of independent music; War Child, a nonprofit supporting children in conflict zones; and Studio by Miraval, who are home to recording studios where both Pink Floyd and the Cranberries have recorded albums in the past.

Whether you’re a lifelong vinyl collector, a casual music fan, or just curious about the charm of your local record shop, it’s a day to celebrate the tactile joys of music, from flipping through racks of vinyl to hearing the first crackle as the needle touches down on grooved PVC.

Record Store Day first took place in 2008 in the United States, after a group of record shop owners had gathered to spread the importance of record shopping and its culture. While it first begun as a celebration of smaller shops and as a way to attract more people into visiting and being from these, over the years it has become a real celebration of music itself, with artists releasing special editions of their albums and singles just for Record Store Day! Some artists may decide to release physical copies of their album on the same date as Record Store Day, while some others create new, special and very limited editions of pre-existing albums or singles.

Save the date! Record Store Day 2025 will be taking place on Saturday the 12th of April – 18 years and still spinning. Let’s go! #RSD25 pic.twitter.com/TVEmLvar2x

— Record Store Day UK (@RSDUK) January 7, 2025

This year, Record Store Day UK will be held in partnership with DEYA Brewing Company: DEYA has created a special Record Store Day beer which will available in April in all participating stores and pubs. The managers of DEYA have told Official Charts that they are excited to partner with RSD UK:

“We’re really excited to partner with Record Store Day. Music has been an important part of DEYA and our Taprooms so this felt like a natural fit. We’re passionate about independent venues and the art of vinyl and love the work Record Store Day does to support record shops and the industry. We’re here to help facilitate good vibes.”

Following the official announcement of the #RSD25 date, we’ve got some big news! @deyabrewery is our official beer partner for #RSD25. Known for their world-class beers, top-tier taproom, and killer designs, they’re the ideal partner to celebrate indie culture! And something… pic.twitter.com/qpGagmYRBj — Record Store Day UK (@RSDUK) January 7, 2025

Furthermore, long-time partners Bowers and Wilkins will also participate. Speaking to Official Charts, the Vice President of the Company has said:

“At Bowers & Wilkins, we’ve always believed in the power of music to bring people together, and independent record stores are the beating heart of that community. Record Store Day is a celebration of the artistry and craftsmanship that make music so special, and we’re proud to continue our support for these incredible spaces that champion music in all its forms.”

Finally, Studio by Miraval returns for its second year. The manager of the company that has created the famous rose wine stated he was delighted to continue this partnership, adding:

“The partnership with RSD is a unique collaboration that embodies our desire to share these passions and moments, making connections across diverse communities and providing music for your tastebuds.”

While it is not yet clear who will participate in this year’s edition of Record Store Day and what vinyls will be available, the list is usually available by late February at the latest. Last year, thousands of music enthusiasts gathered by their local record shop in the early hours of the morning to get their hands on their favourite record and while many succeeded, the darker side of RSD is that there will never be enough copies to satisfy the extreme demand.

Some of the artists that participated in last year’s RSD are Lily Allen, with a limited run of ‘It’s Not Me, It’s You‘, The Cure with a RSD exclusive picture disc, Maisie Peters with a limited run of deluxe version of ‘The Good Witch‘, and The Rolling Stones with another RSD exclusive, 6000 copies limited run.

WAITING IN THE SKY VINYL LP FOR RSD 2024

“He’d like to come and meet us…”

To mark what would have been David Bowie’s 77th birthday, Parlophone Records are proud to announce the release of a very special David Bowie limited vinyl LP, WAITING IN THE SKY (BEFORE THE STARMAN CAME… pic.twitter.com/j9Oh0pQWSv

— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) January 8, 2024

The LP is set to be released on April 20th 2024, in line with Record Store Day, which falls on the same day.

Record Store Day is an annual event beginning in 2007 to “celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store”. Held on one Saturday (typically the third) every April and every Black Friday in November, the day brings together fans, artists, and thousands of independent record stores around the world. A number of records are pressed specifically for Record Store Day, with a list of releases for each country, and are only distributed to shops participating in the event.

A press release for the upcoming album states that “The tracklisting for WAITING IN THE SKY (BEFORE THE STARMAN CAME TO EARTH) runs differently from the ZIGGY STARDUST album and features four songs that didn’t make the final album.

On Side 1, in the place of ‘STARMAN’, one of the last three tracks recorded for the album in February 1972, is ‘ROUND AND ROUND’, a Chuck Berry cover. The track was finally released on a single as the B-side to ‘DRIVE-IN SATURDAY’ on 6th April, 1973. Initially, closing Side 1 of the album was Bowie’s version of Jacques Brel’s ‘AMSTERDAM’, which would later appear as the B-side of ‘SORROW’ on 12th October, 1973.

Side 2 of the 15th December, 1971 tracklisting features two long-time non-LP fan favourites, ‘HOLY HOLY’ and ‘VELVET GOLDMINE’. The former is a re-recording with The Spiders of David’s 1971 single. Again, this version of the track had to wait several years before surfacing as the B-side of ‘DIAMOND DOGS’ on 14th June, 1974.”

Waiting In The Sky (Before The Starman Came To Earth) tracklist:

Side 1
“Five Years”
“Soul Love”
“Moonage Daydream”
“Round And Round”
“Amsterdam”

Side 2
“Hang On To Yourself”
“Ziggy Stardust”
“Velvet Goldmine”
“Holy Holy”
“Star”
“Lady Stardust”

There will also be a follow up drops date on June 18th, that will serve as a street date safety net for titles that are part of the Record Store Day celebration that may be unable to make it into stores on April 23rd. You can see below an example of what’s on offer with a special black and White splatter double LP of ‘The Best Of Bring Me The Horizon 2004 – 2013′ just one of a number of exciting releases.

Mina Koroma, a store manager at Liverpool’s Jacaranda Records as quoted in NME said of the event “We can’t wait to see Record Store Day back in full force at Jacaranda Records. Our community of musicians, DJs and record fans thrives on getting together to share ideas and experiences. RSD is always a great chance to do that, especially at such a challenging time for shops like ours. We’re excited for scenes all over the UK to keep growing their collections and adding to their fond memories of times spent at record stores.”

Last month, Taylor Swift was also announced as the first global ambassador of Record store Day 2022 saying “I’m very proud to be this year’s Ambassador for Record Store Day. The places where we go to browse and explore and discover music new and old have always been sacred to me. Record stores are so important because they help to perpetuate and foster music-loving as a passion. They create settings for live events. They employ people who adore music thoroughly and purely.”

Swift also acknowledged the “rough few years” that independent record shops have faced due to the COVID pandemic, stating: “We need to support these small businesses more now than ever to make sure they can stay alive, stay eccentric, and stay individual.”

This announcement follows on from the recent report from Entertainment Retailers Association’s that showed after 14 years of consecutive growth at a rate of 23 per cent year on year vinyl sales in the UK are at their highest level in over 30 years. No records are available online via Pre-order but you can use the Participating Store Search to find a store near you and find out what they stock and how they are participating as well as view the full list of releases here.