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Record Store Day Announces Fundraising Activities for War Child

March 26, 2025

14 RELEASES INCLUDING SUGABABES, DAVID SYLVIAN, CHVRCHES AND THE CURE TO DONATE £1 FROM EVERY UNIT SOLD TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHILDREN AFFECTED BY CONFLICT 

Record Store Day is turning up the volume for its official charity partner, War Child, with a stellar line up of artists such as Sugababes, The Charlatans & Van Morrison lending their support.

Record Store Day will be taking place on Saturday 12th April 2025, giving music fans will have the chance to purchase fourteen highly collectible vinyl releases available exclusively at participating independent record shops. Not only that but, for every copy sold, £1 will be donated to War Child to support their work providing specialist mental health care, education, shelter, and emergency supplies for children affected by conflict worldwide. Record shops in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands will also be taking part, and fans in these territories can head here (DE) and here (NL) to find participating stores. 

This year's set of exclusive titles has something for every music fan! From special anniversary editions of classic albums to rare demo recordings and exclusive first time-on-vinyl records. 2025 marks the fifth set of collectibles created for the War Child x RSD campaign, which has raised over £120k for the charity since its inception. 

Richard Clarke, Head of Music at War Child said:


“We are delighted to be the charity partner for Record Store Day once again in 2025. We’re extremely proud of and honoured to help celebrate the community of independent record stores, the role they play in championing artists and the art of the album. Right now, it's the most dangerous time to be a child living through war, with nearly 1 in 5 children around the world impacted. The support of Record Store Day and the music industry couldn’t be more urgent and needed.”

The 2025 War Child Exclusive Vinyl Releases include (Titles May Vary by Country):



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The Boomtown Rats - Dawn of the Rats: B-Sides Demos And Live 1975-1979

Experience the Boomtown Rats in their rawest form with this transparent green vinyl collection of early demos, B-sides, and live recordings.


Boys Wonder - Be Reasonable…

A companion release to Question Everything, featuring two exclusive tracks not included on the LP.


The Charlatans - Wonderland (Deluxe)

Universal Music Recordings and Island Records are making The Charlatans' 2001 album Wonderland available on limited edition white and red vinyl. This new 2LP set contains six bonus tracks not included on the original album.


CHVRCHES - Every Open Eye (10-Year Anniversary Version)

A special double vinyl reissue of CHVRCHES’ sophomore album, marking its 10th anniversary.


The Cure - The Head on The Door (40th Anniversary RSD 2025 Picture Disc Exclusive)

Celebrating 40 years of The Cure’s 6th album, this first-time Picture Disc edition is remastered by Robert Smith and cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road. Housed in a die-cut sleeve designed by original artist Andy Vella.


Mark Knopfler - One Take Radio Sessions (20th Anniversary 2025)

This 8-track EP, recorded live in a single take at Shangri-La Studios, returns for its 20th anniversary.


OMD - Peel Sessions 1979-1983

Never before on vinyl! Marking 25 years since its original CD release, this edition brings together all Peel Sessions for the first time in any format.


Passengers – Original Soundtracks 1 (30th Anniversary Remastered Edition)

‘Original Soundtracks 1’, the studio album by Brian Eno and U2, was released in November 1995 under the artist pseudonym Passengers. This special 30th anniversary edition, pressed on recycled black vinyl, is now fully remastered for the first time.


Sugababes - Taller in More Ways

The Sugababes’ 2005 album makes its vinyl debut on limited edition pink vinyl, featuring gold foil lettering, a black inner bag, and a double-sided lyric insert.


David Sylvian – Camphor

First-ever vinyl release of this instrumental collection, featuring collaborations with Holger Czukay, Bill Nelson, and Rain Tree Crow.


Frank Turner - Positive Songs for Negative People

A limited blue-and-red vinyl pressing, including a bonus LP with the Mittens EP B-sides (first time on vinyl) and the previously unreleased Hamburg Demos.


Van Morrison - Be Just and Fear Not (10” Etched Vinyl)

Three live tracks originally intended to stand alone from Live at Orangefield, now available on etched 10” vinyl.


Years & Years – Communion

Celebrating 10 years of Communion, this double LP zoetrope pressing features new side designs by Drew Tetz and the viral hit Breathe.


Jamiroquai – Funk Odyssey 

This special Record Store Day 2LP release is pressed on “Corner Of The Earth Blue Green splatter vinyl”


If you’re into music and collecting records, these releases are a great way to snag something special while supporting a good cause! Ready to dive in? You can view the full Record Store Day list of releases here.


As ever, Record Store Day continues to celebrate the passion, culture, and community of independent record shops. These exclusive releases are demonstrative of the collective love for vinyl that brings us all together.


Like all the titles on this year’s list of releases, the Record Store Day x War Child exclusives are available exclusively in-store at one of the participating independent record shops on Saturday 12th of April. Find your local store here and join in the celebrations! 

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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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