Music fans queued overnight as independent record stores reported record vinyl sales across Sheffield for Record Store Day.
The annual event saw sales rise by a record breaking 25% compared with 2025.
More than 300 independent shops took part across the UK. In Sheffield, six stores joined in. These included Spinning Discs Sheffield, Bear Tree Records, Waxhead Records and more
Shops hosted special events throughout the day. Many also worked with nearby cafés, pubs and other local businesses.
Kim Bayley, CEO of Entertainment Retailers Association (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.”
Martin Black, Owner of Spinning Discs Sheffield, said: “This year was our 10th year of Record Store Day.”
“Some people arrived the night before. This year the first person sat outside at half past six on Friday night and the bulk of people from 4am to 8am in the morning.”
“We put on more events this year. We had Pale Blue Eyes, a Sheffield based band, playing a live set in the shop. We had some customers who were coming in and playing some records.”
“That community spirit is really prevalent on Record Store Day.”
“It brings people together and from over the years I’ve seen Record store day queue relationships form. When they’re in that queue they have a common interest, which is music, and it brings people together.”
“It’s great that a lot of people still enjoy the physical format of vinyl.”
In Sheffield city centre, Waxhead Records hosted its first official Record Store Day event.
The shop welcomed between 400 and 500 customers
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.
Some stores also used the day to collect donations for local charities.
Next year will see Record Store Day mark its 20th anniversary, with organisers expecting continued growth in both participation and audience engagement.