Independent record shops across Sheffield came together over the weekend to celebrate Record Store Day.
With the 19th annual celebration gaining momentum every year, Record Store Day reported their largest ever event with sales up 25% on 2025 and record-breaking footfall through.
Sheffield saw a strong participation where six stores marked the occasion including Waxhead Records, Spinning Discs and more.
Kim Bayley, CEO of ERA, which organises the event, said: “This year’s Record Store Day demonstrated as never before the emerging role of record shops as cultural hubs on the high street, bringing together music fans across generations and breathing new life into town centres.”
“Congratulations to all the shops who took part and thanks to all the artists, labels, sponsors and countless other partners who made it possible.”
Over 300 independent record shops took part in the annual event, hosting live performances, signings, DJ sets and special events to mark the occasion.
Many record shops collaborated with fellow retailers on their high streets including coffee shops, restaurants, pubs and community centres, as well as collecting donations for local charities.
Special vinyl releases are made exclusively for the day and many shops host performances and events to mark the occasion.
Thousands more shops are celebrating the day around the globe in what’s become one of the biggest events on the music calendar.
First launched on 19 April 2008 in the United States, the event has since grown into a global celebration of music culture.
In Sheffield city centre, Waxhead Records hosted its first official Record Store Day event.
The shop welcomed between 400 and 500 customers, who enjoyed a live DJ set alongside refreshments, highlighting the continued demand for physical music formats and shared listening experiences.
Meanwhile, Bear Tree Records opened its doors from 8am, with customers queuing outside the store to secure exclusive releases, a familiar sight for the annual event.
Across the UK and Ireland, more than 300 independent record shops took part on Saturday 18 April. Many hosted live performances, artist signings and DJ sets, while others collaborated with neighbouring businesses such as coffee shops, restaurants and pubs.
Some stores also used the day to collect donations for local charities, reinforcing their role within their communities.
Next year will see Record Store Day mark its 20th anniversary, with organisers expecting continued growth in both participation and audience engagement.