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OLIVIA DEAN ANNOUNCED AS AMBASSADOR OF RECORD STORE DAY UK

February 26, 2026

Record Store Day UK is proud to announce Olivia Dean as the Official UK Ambassador for 2026. Olivia has been awarded the role as a champion for the culture of independent record shops and the vital role they play within their local communities.

Joining the ranks of iconic past ambassadors including Sam Fender, Kate Bush, Taylor Swift, the 1975, Noel Gallagher and Elton John, Olivia is ready to bring her love of vinyl and record shop culture to the 2026 event.

Speaking of her ambassador role, Olivia said:

“It’s such an honour to be the Record Store Day Ambassador for 2026. Independent record stores are such special spaces to discover and share music - to actually touch it and feel it. I’ve found so much inspiration in the records I’ve collected over the years and am so grateful for all the hidden gems I’ve found. I want to thank the record stores around the world for all the support you’ve given me over the years. It’s so important we continue to support them and keep them alive!”


As part of the RSD celebrations, the Grammy Award-winning superstar will release ‘Live at the BBC’, featuring live renditions of tracks by Carole King and boygenius. Recorded for the BBC, the release will be available as a limited edition black 7’’ vinyl, exclusively from participating independent record stores on Saturday 18th April.

According to Official Charts data, Olivia was the sixth biggest vinyl album artist of 2025, with The Art of Loving selling 45,000 copies on the format. In 2026, the album has gone even further: The Art of Loving is currently the UK’s biggest-selling vinyl album of the year, with over 11,000 copies sold since January 1.

Around 300 UK independent record shops are set to take part in this year’s Record Store Day - the highest number in the event’s 19-year history. Widely credited as a key driver of the vinyl revival, Record Store Day has played a crucial role in the resurgence of independent record retail. Its continued success reflects the resilience, creativity and passion of record shop owners, who remain a vibrant and essential presence on UK high streets.

Jane Unwin from Banquet Records said:

“Olivia Dean being this year's ambassador is a quality endorsement of RSD and of record shops themselves. Supportive of indie shops for years, Olivia's a legit modern pop star - not only a massive live draw, but consistently selling loads of physical music week in, week out. There's a very clear understanding of what makes physical music special, whether it's The Art of Loving on coloured vinyl, the RSD Black Friday split with Sam Fender, or this year's RSD 7” cover versions.”


On Thursday 26 February, Olivia Dean will perform as part of BRITs Week for War Child at Manchester’s iconic Albert Hall, in support of Record Store Day’s official charity partner. Proceeds will go towards War Child's work supporting children affected by conflict, providing protection, specialist mental health support, education, and advocacy to some of the world's most vulnerable.

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BIGGEST EVER RECORD STORE DAY CELEBRATION BOOSTS UK HIGH STREETS

April 23, 2026
Last weekend saw independent record shops across the UK and Ireland come together to celebrate Record Store Day on Saturday 18th April. Over 300 independent record shops took part, 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. For example, Dash The Henge (London), Vinyl Fetishes (Manchester) and The LP Café (Watford) hosted multi venue festivals, Thorne Records (Edinburgh) had support from their neighbourhood pizza restaurant, Vox Box (Edinburgh) teamed up with their nearby brewery, Rotten Records (Cornwall) offered discounts at their local coffee shop and there were a host of other initiatives designed to support their local communities. 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 independent retailers' doors. Kim Bayley, CEO of the digital entertainment and retail association, ERA, which organises RSD on behalf of the nation’s independent record shops, 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.” Thousands of cross-generational vinyl collectors began queuing from the day before to get their hands on the 500 special limited-edition releases, which saw high streets become buzzing hubs for music fans. Queues at many stores circled the block with many shops reporting that queues were still ongoing late into Saturday afternoon. Slow Century Records took part in their first Record Store Day, owner John Ellis said: "Our first ever Record Store Day was phenomenal, we had a blast. We had no idea how it would all pan out on the day, thankfully the day was a massive success and great for the wider high street too. We had music all over the high street in all sorts of venues from opening at 8am until 11pm, our own IPA in the bar two doors down. We were extremely fortunate to have support from BBC Radio Birmingham too!" Resident Music, Brighton saw their largest crowds in 2026, owner Natasha Youngs said: “The Saturday itself beat all previous years in terms of attendance and sales. The RSD weather gods took good care of us again and the sunshine added to a brilliantly buzzy day of fulfilled wish-lists, shared fandom, laughter, new friendships, live music, artist signings, DJ sets and general good vibes. The days following the event have also been insanely busy, with our highest ever post-RSD sales instore. And then the online after-party delivered another bumper boost to sales.” Sister Ray, Soho has participated in Record Store Day every year, owner Phil Barton said: “Busy, busy, busier than ever. RSD once again brought the party to a packed Soho. Everyone benefits from RSD. Us, the other record stores, the community and the other businesses that embrace our day as their own.” Regular Record Store Day queuer, Jack White said: “I met my friends Chris and Beth in the queue outside Sister Ray on Record Store Day 2017 and we’ve kept in touch ever since. We’ve met up for RSD a few times over the years to grab lunch and chat about how our years have gone. Such a brilliant example of how RSD and more broadly music can bring people together!” Record Store Day would like to thank its official partners - BBC 6 Music, Bowers & Wilkins, Breed Media, Jack Daniel’s, Jubel, Lagom, Metropolis, Tribe and War Child for their support. Next year will see Record Store Day mark the 20th anniversary of the independent record shop event.

HUNDREDS OF RECORD SHOPS TO HOST IN-STORE PARTIES ACROSS THE UK AND IRELAND TO CELEBRATE RECORD STORE DAY

April 17, 2026
Record Store Day takes place this Saturday, 18th April, with over 300 independent record shops set to celebrate across the UK and Ireland. Record shops will host live performances, signings, DJ sets and special events to mark the occasion. Vinyl lovers will join record shop queues for a chance to get their hands on the special limited-edition releases, turning high streets into a huge celebration of music and community. Hundreds of artists are supporting independent record shops with a range of exclusive vinyl releases, including titles from Charli XCX, CMAT, Primal Scream, Robert Plant, The Streets and Wolf Alice, which are available in-store only on the day. BBC Radio 6 Music Official Media Partner, 6 Music returns to join the festivities, with Huw Stephens broadcasting live from Monorail Music in Glasgow on Friday 17th April (4-7pm). The broadcast will feature special appearances from Teenage Fanclub, Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai, and Phoebe I-H from BBC Introducing in Scotland. Across the weekend, the station will also present a ‘Vinyl Weekender’, featuring a range of live performances, interviews, and vinyl-focused programming. Huw says: “Record Store Day is a huge deal, and Glasgow certainly loves its records. I’ve been to Monorail Music a few times over the years and having Teenage Fanclub play there, along with a chance to talk to a range of guests during the show, will be very special indeed.” Selected Live Music & DJ Sets, Special Events, Festivals & Giveaways Dash The Henge, London – Two-day festival across 4 venues with 40 bands, DJs, and exclusive RSD releases, all on one wristband. Venues include Dash The Henge Store, The Old Dispensary, The Bear Camberwell, and HENGE Brixton, running Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April. Good Vibes, The False Widow, Leith – Full-day of live music curated by Lost Map Records and Play Nice Presents, featuring Acolyte, Isa Gordon, Tony Morris, Buffet Lunch, and a special guest, followed by an evening vinyl DJ set and live performance from Comfort. Jacaranda Records, Liverpool – Live music, free hot drinks, a BBQ for early arrivals, and an exclusive Kula Shaker single-sided 7” record for the first 100 people in the queue, including a special recording of Day for Night made using a 1948 Voice-O-Graph and lathe-cut at Fat Monkey Studios. Le Freak Records, Dundee – Full-day event from 10am - 6pm with vinyl DJ sets and prize giveaways, followed by a takeover at Canvas Dundee from 7 PM–late with more DJ sets and dancing. LP Cafe (The), Watford – Mini festival of local bands featuring acoustic sets, vinyl DJs, and a drum workshop with Will Taylor, spread across five local venues. Featuring The Social Club, Lakes, The Ilario Ferrari Electric Trio, Awake Mother, El Bingo!, Ghost Tapes, Legends of The Seven Golden Vampires, and Happy Neighbours. Phonica, London – All-day event from 9am - 9pm, featuring a wide selection of RSD exclusives, a secret special guest line-up across the shop floor and basement, with beverages provided by JUBEL and sound by Zion Audio. Resident Music, Brighton – Afternoon and evening event from 4pm – 7:30pm, featuring a meet & greet and signing with Paris Paloma, DJ sets from Public Service Broadcasting and Steve Mason, the Annual Charity Raffle, and a stripped-back set from Blood Wizard, with beers supplied by Permit Room. Rough Trade East, London – Hosting a full day of live music and DJ sets beginning at 10:00 AM. The lineup includes DJ sets from Kate Goodrum and Borokov Borokov, followed by live performances from Ella Raphael, Ashaine White, Eaves Wilder, a surprise guest (TBA), Long Distance Runner, Cabin, Daytime TV, Alabama 3 and headliners DOTWAVNOTWAVE, with music continuing throughout the day in-store. Soul Brother, London - Celebrating 35 years of Soul Brother Records, Georgie B (Groove Association) from the UK 80s Soul/Jazz-Funk band Second Image will be signing copies of his new album 'My Time to Shine' in the shop from 2pm - 4pm. Sound Records, Stroud – Tropical Record Store Day celebration in collaboration with Bacana Funk, featuring all-day DJ sets. Steamboat Records, Limerick – A full day of live music in-store, with DJs throughout and performances from Irish Wonders, God Knows and First Class Rebel, with more happening across the day. Truck Oxford Afterparty, The Bullingdon, Oxford – Evening Record Store Day celebration featuring headliner Willie J Healey and commemorating 15 years of Truck Oxford. Voxbox Music, Edinburgh – Celebrating RSD & the shop’s 15th birthday with a pop-up in St Vincent’s Chapel, plus live music from 11am - 5.30pm featuring: Étáin, Broken Chanter, Kathryn Joseph (SAY Award Winner 2015), Phillip Jon Taylor (PAWS), Grant McPhee (Caledonia Screaming / new book on Scottish punk), Kai Reesu (SAY Award Winner 2025), Meursault, Both Hands, and waverley. To find out what’s happening near you this weekend, or to grab tickets, head to our official events listing page or contact your local independent record shop . Record Store Day will take place globally on Saturday 18 th April.
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