Carlisle's Future is Vinyl draws in big crowds for Record Store Day

The annual homage to indie record store culture took place on Saturday (April 20), allowing people to grab the chance to get their hands on collectible and limited-edition records that will never go to release again, including the likes of Blur and Jessie Ware. 

Future is Vinyl, inside the Vinyl Cafe on Carlisle's Abbey Street, was one of 265 independent record shops participating in the day's 17th edition. 

Owner James Brown, who has been running the store and cafe for eight years, said: "I was having a crack with the folk in the queue that had been in the queue since 1am, it's a bit of an endurance test really.

"I think that's the earliest we've had.

"There were people in that queue that have been coming every year, travelling far and wide.

"There are great little stories about them making lifelong friends. 

"To make a bond over music is one of the best things in the world," he said. 

Crowds gather on Carlisle's Abbey Street to celebrate Record Store Day (Image: James Brown)

Patrons were keen to get their hands on a 'mixed bag', which included everything from the Gorillas to The Cure, and picture disc vinyl that will never go to press again. 

And plenty that James himself couldn't even get his hands on. 

"I've just sold a few I wanted, it's a sad state of affairs when you get what you want when you own a record store but you've got to sell them. 

"It was busy all day.

"We also had some great local bands, such as GRIPPER and The Nightjrrs, play which made the day even more special. We had The Limps come in as well. 

"It's unique to every store, it's a one-off event that keeps us going during a quiet time of year, especially after Christmas," he said. 

The shop still has some Record Store Day stock available such as Jeff Buckley, Morrissey and The Rolling Stones. 

To find out more, you can find Future is Vinyl on Facebook.