Turn up the music for Record Store Day on Saturday 20 April 2024, with Gloucestershire record shops armed and ready with cool collections of rare and classic vinyl waiting to go under the needle or take pride of place on display.
From well-known and well-loved stores to secret musical treasure troves, you'll be sure to find a harmonious haunt near you in SoGlos's round-up.
Badlands in Cheltenham
A vinyl hotspot in Cheltenham town centre, the award-winning Badlands Records has an impressive selection of new releases, as well as classic presses, spanning artists and genres from Taylor Swift to Bob Dylan — with its own range of merch and Record Store Day exclusives to snap up.
If the name didn't give it away, the store is somewhat of a tribute American icon, Bruce Springsteen — it even has its own unofficial fan club! Members receive exclusive monthly e-newsletters, special offers and have the opportunity to tag along on trips to see The Boss himself in concert.
Trading Post Records in Stroud
Stocking more than 50,000 LPs, vinyl enthusiasts are sure to find what they're looking for at Trading Post Records in Stroud, with owner, Simon Vincent, on hand to provide expert recommendations, too.
Open since 1977, the shop is a staple of Stroud High Street — and with rare, second-hand gems to be found, an afternoon spent browsing its collection is time well spent.
Vinyl Vital Signs in Gloucester
If collecting records isn't enough for you, Vinyl Vital Signs has an extensive range of memorabilia including band t shirts, posters and more in stock at its store in Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Catering to every musical need, it also stocks top grade Hi-Fi sound systems and equipment to play your new purchases on — so it's an excellent place for those just starting their journey into the world of vinyl collecting to pick up everything they need.
The Independent Record Shop in Cheltenham
Hidden away on the bustling Bath Road in Cheltenham, The Independent Record Shop is more than meets the eye. Established in 2008 and modelled on the dreamy aesthetic of London's nostalgic vinyl outlets, the shop sources its stock from across the UK and will always work to find something for your particular interest — you can even book a personalised appointment with the team.
The store also organises record sale events in-store as well as at record fairs and auctions across the UK, with some albums priced at only 50p!
Sound Records in Stroud
Stocking records of every genre, you could spend all day browsing at Sound Records in Stroud — fuelled by the freshly brewed, locally sourced coffee available at the store. With a specialist collection of world music, the team puts passion into finding exciting new music from Africa and Latin America, sourcing records directly from the native countries.
Sound Records takes great pride in the Stroud music scene and has even pressed its first record under its own label: a collection of Stroud-based Electronica. This Record Store Day 2024, it's also welcoming guitar troubadour, Bobby Lee, into the store for a free gig to celebrate the occasion.
Rockit Records in The Forest of Dean
Formerly Forest Vinyl, Rockit Records is opening this May 2024 in a new location in the quaint town of Coleford in the Forest of Dean.
Promising a wide range of pressed favourites, the new store aims to continue providing a quality service and collection to music lovers in and around the Forest and beyond.
To Have and To Hold Records in Tewkesbury
Nestled within the historic walls of a Tudor-style building in Tewkesbury is To Have and To Hold Records. With a love of the magic of music at its heart, be sure to check its brilliant bookshelf, regularly refreshed with a mix of new and vintage biographies and autobiographies about the lates and greats of the music industry.
Self-confessed 'vinyl junkie' and owner, Melvin Hardy, also presents live music nights at the store dedicated to favourite genres from BritPop to Alternative. It counts dogs as firm fans, too!
Vinyl Vault in Cheltenham
For super second-hand finds, Vinyl Vault in Cheltenham is in a prime location just off the High Street. Its stock rotates on a daily basis, buying and selling pre-loved records while strictly adhering to the Record Collector magazine guide to vinyl grading.
With the range of qualities spanning mint condition to bad condition, the team analyses every incoming record and strives to offer the best stock possible for its customers. It carries an amazing range of sought-after original pressings from bands including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, too.
Black Pearl Vinyl in Gloucester
Located in Gloucester Antiques Centre on Westgate Street, Black Pearl Vinyl offers Gloucestershire's largest record collection under one roof. The store offers a helpful finding service for collectors looking for that elusive missing LP, with knowledgeable staff that are sure to point you in the right direction.
All records are cleaned and serviced to ensure a seamless play — so you'll leave the shop with a classic that feels as good as new.
