EAST Lancashire’s independent record shops are bracing themselves for one of the busiest days of the year.

Townsend Records based in Clitheroe and Great Harwood, is taking part in Record Store Day next Saturday - a national event which sees music lovers from all over the country trying to get their hands on some of the exclusive vinyl releases.

Record Store Day releases are only available in person as the event is aimed at promoting independent retailers

Some of the most sought-after releases of the 400 or so items this year include Taylor Swift’s Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions; a boxset of David Bowie singles from the Sixties; a 10-inch boxset of John Lennon tracks and a 50th anniversary release of Paul McCartney and Wings’ Red Rose Speedway album.

Paul McGowan, manager of Townsend Records in Clitheroe said: “Record Store Day is always special. It’s a day which many music lovers and record collectors mark on the calendar and this year there are a wide variety of releases.

“We will have people queueing from the early hours to be among the first in line when we open at 8am next Saturday to have a chance of getting their hands on that one release they really want.

“It’s also a chance for music fans to come together and indulge in their passion for music. We will be seeing many familiar faces who are regular customers throughout the year and also look forward to welcoming new customers to our shops.

“Vinyl has undergone a massive resurgence in the past couple of years. I think people appreciate the extra warmth you get in sound quality and they enjoy the physical side to record collecting.

“The Record Store Day releases often come in special packaging and are in very limited numbers so we hope that everyone will be able to get their hands on the ones they want.

“We have certainly taken delivery of a vast amount of stock and we know we’re going to be very busy next Saturday.”