VINYL record sales are at their highest level in 25 years, which means this weekend's Record Store Day is likely to be the biggest yet.

This 10th anniversary of the international event, taking place at record shops all over the world on Saturday April 22, will see some of the world's biggest artists, some of history's most memorable performers, and a host of underground favourites all with exclusive new releases to their names.

It is designed to give independent record stores a boost, which has certainly been the case so far - and a number of these releases end up becoming worth considerably more than their mark-up price.

In South Cumbria, there is only one participating store once again: Replay, at Westmorland Shopping Centre, in Kendal.

Manager Lizzie May says: "Record Store Day usually attracts a queue before we open, so it is certainly popular. It also attracts people from further afield than Kendal, as we are the only independent record shop that participates in the event in this end of Cumbria - the nearest to ourselves I believe is either Preston or Carlisle.


"We have quite the range this year, so hopefully there is something for everyone."

This year, there will be the obvious clamour to get hold of some rare releases from recently-deceased artists - David Bowie and Prince both feature on the extensive and impressive long-list for 2017.

Some records are specifically for the UK market, with as few as 200 copies available for the rarest records.

Lizzie continues: "The rarity varies from 200 to 5000 UK copies, but there are usually between 500 and 1000.

"Part of the code of conduct is not to sell on the internet until a few weeks after the event, as the idea is to help independent shops by attracting people to visit the shop and have a good old-fashioned browse.

"Record shops are few and far between with the rise of streaming and the competition of supermarkets.

"We have already had a fair bit of interest in the event and we believe the more sought after titles this year will include releases from Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Prince, Cabbage, The Smiths, and The Beatles."

To view the full list of releases on sale for Record Store Day, on April 22, visit recordstoreday.co.uk/exclusive-releases

Replay Records is based at Westmorland Shopping Centre, in Kendal, and can be contacted by phoning 015396 34050.