Record Store Day sees hundreds queue from before 4am at Reflex in Newcastle city centre

Queues snaked around Newcastle city centre on Record Store Day 2024, with some hardy souls rocking up to Reflex record shop even before 4am.

Record Store Day has been held annually on a Saturday in April since 2007. The day sees artists produce special edition records and encourages music fans to support independent retailers.

Outside of Reflex in Newcastle, hundreds flock to the queue – which is getting “longer and longer” each year. The music enthusiastics get there as early as 4am to bag a place in line and make sure they get their hands on the records they need.

Speaking outside of the queue on Saturday, Karen Alexander – whose partner Alan Jordan runs the shop – said it was “absolutely fantastic”. She added: “People queue up from the crack of dawn literally to buy this material, they’re all enthusiastic, and it’s what makes them happy. They do it year in, year out and I see the same familiar faces every year.

“I help out. I’m the bouncer for the day and and I help the people in the queue. It’s just a great vibe – we love it.”

Karen said this year’s queue was the longest she had ever seen and added there was “carnival spirit”. One man in the queue – record collector Chris Trew, added: “I’ve been here since quarter to four. I’ve been collecting records since I was 12 and I’m 61 now – so every reason to be here. I love vinyl and am hoping to get probably half dozen today that I absolutely need for my collection.”

For more information about Record Store Day, see here.