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Record Store Day UK
A celebration of independent music, vinyl, and community.
We’re incredibly proud to be taking part in Record Store Day UK - the annual celebration of independent record shops and the culture that surrounds them.
Record Store Day is about far more than exclusive releases. It’s about discovery, connection, and the shared experience of music - from the moment a needle drops to the conversations sparked across the counter. It shines a light on the vital role independent record shops play in supporting artists, labels, and local scenes, and we’re honoured to be part of it.
Being involved allows us to celebrate everything we believe in: music as a physical format, culture built from the ground up, and the simple joy of digging for records.
What’s happening on the day
This year, we’re going all in.
We’re proud to be working alongside some brilliant local businesses to make the day something special across Knowle. We’ll be hosting a series of live performances from local musicians throughout the day, across a number of nearby venues - a true celebration of the local scene.
We’ve also partnered with The Ale Rooms to create our very own Slow Century IPA, brewed especially for the occasion. The Ale Rooms will be hosting an all-vinyl day, spinning records throughout opening hours - and you’re invited to bring your own wax along and get involved.
Our friends at Viola will be opening early (7am–7pm), serving breakfast and drinks for those of you queuing bright and early - because we know RSD collectors turn up before the doors open.
To keep things interesting on the queue, Nigel - aka GrumpleStiltStine - will be painting our front window live throughout the morning. Expect a full-blown art installation as he brings a Shellac-inspired scene to life. Grumple is known for his intimidating demeanour, a deep love of Thin Lizzy, punk rock, and old Volvos… so you’re in safe hands.
Our in-house artist Ugs will also be in the shop on the day, selling a selection of her work and available to chat about commissions if there’s something you’d like created - a rare chance to take home something completely unique.
A few extras…
The first 15 customers to purchase Record Store Day releases from us will receive some very special gifts.
Keep an eye on our social media for more details in the lead-up - we’ll be sharing updates, announcements, and a few surprises along the way.
Record Store Day UK 2026
Running order of Musical Events taking place in Knowle
Sneaky Plan - 11:00 Cristal Boutique
Sneaky Plan is a classic rock and grunge covers band known for punchy takes on 70s, 80s and 90s anthems, as well as the occasional pop classic. Their acoustic set strips things back, reworking well‑known songs with a distinctive, gritty edge.
Guitar George Wilson - 12.30 The Ale Rooms
Liz Lilac - 13:30 Monica's Bakes
Local performer Liz Lilac will be debuting as a solo-acoustic artist, playing a series of cross-genre covers from folk to country to pop. With previous experience in musical theatre and various bands, she's excited to take her music in a new direction.
Alistair Aktas - 14:30 Slow Century Records
'Alistair Aktas is a singer-songwriter and classically-trained pianist. He was compelled to teach himself to play the guitar after hearing Nick Drake's 1972 album, "Pink Moon," for the first time.'
Alistair will be playing a selection of songs by Nick Drake at Slow century records
Shapethelight - 15:00 Swanyard Cafe
Shapethelight is the solo project of singer songwriter Stuart Lennon, blending percussive acoustic indie‑folk with a grunge edge and raw melodic vocals. His sets are stripped‑back, rhythmic and emotionally direct, drawing on influences from 70s folk-rock to 90s grunge.
He has performed internationally including at Clockenflap - Hong Kong’s largest music festival - and supporting legendary alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr.
Marc Cijfer - 16:00 Bistro Viola
With the band ‘aware’ Marc established a foothold on the Ibiza chillout scene’s prestigious venues in the early 2000s (Cafe del Mar, Savannah, Mercedes, Mambos etc). For the next twenty years , building on chillout releases by Cafe del Mar, Hed Kandi, Warner etc..he performed DJ sets in venues across Ibiza, the Netherlands and in Eastern Europe, including a residency at La Torre Ibiza.
He currently releases through Integrity Records.
Sweetpool - 17:00 Slow Century Records
The inaugural signing to slow century records record label efforts needing post punk and krautrock creating irresistable grooves and Motorik beats
Marc Cijfer - 18:00 Bistro Viola
See above.
Tracer - 19:00 Loki Wine Bar
Energetic 5 piece rock, pop, indie and funk band TRACER @tracergram1 from Cheltenham are slimming down to a 2 piece for a special acoustic set at Loki Wine to support RSD. Steve and Dale will be performing a more relaxed take on some notable rock, pop and indie classics for your entertainment, come and enjoy a glass of vino and sing along, we won’t bite!
Shed Men Walking - 20:30 The Vaults
Solihull's premier, shed-based covers band, performing/murdering rock blues and Brit-pop classics from the last 60 years.
What to expect on the day
Record Store Day exclusive releases:
A curated selection of official Record Store Day UK titles, available in-store only.
Early opening & queues:
We’ll be opening earlier than usual, at 9am. Queuing before doors open is expected and very much part of the Record Store Day tradition.
First come, first served:
All Record Store Day releases are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Limited stock:
Most titles are strictly limited and may sell out quickly. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Fair access:
We follow Record Store Day UK guidelines to ensure releases are sold fairly and responsibly.
Frequently asked questions
What time do you open on Record Store Day?
9am.
Is there any parking close by?
Yes, there are a number of car parks in Knowle with free parking available for upto 2 hours. A parking ticket will need to be displayed, and if you’re planning on staying longer, reasonable fees are charged for over 2 hours. Latest fees and information can be found here.
Left of the Village Hall - B93 0NH - A pay and display car park with 28 spaces.
Rear of Greswolde Arms - B93 0NP - A pay and display carpark with 125 spaces, including 5 disabled spaces.
Rear of Natwest Bank - B93 0LY - A pay and display carpark with 34 spaces, including 2 disabled spaces.
Rear of Tesco - B93 0JU - A pay and display carpark with 60 spaces, including 5 disabled spaces.
Rear of Village Hall - B93 0NH - A pay and display carpark with 43 spaces, including 1 disabled space.
Right of Village Hall - B93 0NN - A pay and display carpark with 23 spaces.
Can I reserve or pre-order Record Store Day releases?
No. Record Store Day titles are in-store only on the day and cannot be reserved or pre-ordered.
Is there a limit on how many copies I can buy?
Yes. All titles will be limited to one copy per person to give as many people as possible a fair chance.
Will you sell Record Store Day titles online?
Any remaining stock will be available in-store only.
Do I need to queue?
If you’re hoping to pick up a specific release, we recommend arriving early. Queuing is part of the experience.
Are all releases guaranteed to be in stock?
Unfortunately not. Stock is allocated and limited, and we can’t guarantee availability of any specific title.
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