Music fans queue overnight as Record Store Day returns across UK
Collectors and music fans search for rare record releases in the annual event
Last updated 18th Apr 2026
Music fans have been queuing from the early hours, with some spending the night outside shops, as Record Store Day returns across the UK and Ireland.
Around 300 independent record stores are taking part in the annual event, which celebrates vinyl culture and the role of independent retailers on the high street.
For one day only, exclusive and limited-edition releases from artists around the world go on sale in-store, prompting demand from collectors and musical fans.
At Crash Records in Leeds, queues stretched down The Headrow as fans arrived from the early hours to secure their Record Store Day picks.
The independent shop has been an iconic fixture of the city’s music scene since 1985.
Staff say demand for limited-edition releases has once again driven the early rush, with collectors and first-time vinyl buyers lining since 6:30pm last night!
Ian De Whytell has been the owner of Crash Records for over 20 years, he says Record Store Day is one of the busiest and best days of the year:
"The day is special because it's a combination of the love for vinyl and the love for collecting that people have of their favourite artists."
He continued:
"The great thing about the vinyl revival is that more people are getting into it, and it's nice to see young people involved too."
De Whytell said they were “well stocked” with the in-demand Taylor Swift 7-inch, Elizabeth Taylor, which has proved hugely popular with customers today.
Other popular artists vinyl have included David Bowie and Charlie XCX.
Record Store Day has become a key date in the music calendar, highlighting continued demand for physical formats and the enduring popularity of independent record shops.