– One of the UK’s newest vinyl specialists is to mark its first Record Store Day 2026 on Saturday 18 April
– Slow Century Records will present exclusive offers and a full day programme of events in-store and across neighbouring businesses
– The new record store has teamed up with six independent Knowle High Street hospitality, NTE and retail destinations for RSD 2026
Lmited edition vinyl releases, new merch, and live sets from post-punk act Sweetpool alongside nine more solo artists, bands, and DJs on offer
– Solihull Brewery and The Ale Rooms have created a one-off Slow Century IPA available exclusively for RSD
Slow Century Records official site | official Facebook | official Instagram
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One of the UK’s newest record shops is set to celebrate the biggest day of the year for music artists and fans with a community programme of live music events.
Slow Century Records, which opened in Knowle, Solihull in November 2025, is part of the 2026 Record Store Day programme taking place across the UK and Ireland on Saturday 18 April.
Record Store Day is the annual UK celebration of independent record shops and the culture that surrounds them.
As well as stocking exclusive official RSD releases from artists including The Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd, and Taylor Swift, the new space for music lovers has teamed up with neighboring independent businesses to present live performances and DJ sets throughout the day.
Knowle High Street hospitality, night time economy, and retail destinations The Ale Rooms, Bistro Viola, Cristal Boutique, Monica’s Bakes, Swanyard Cafe, and The Vaults join Slow Century Records in celebrating the power of music to create and nurture community.
Alaistair Aktas, Marc Cijfer, Guitar George Wilson, Shed Men Walking, Stuart Lennon, Liz Stein, Sweetpool, and Tracer are amongst those confirmed to play solo, full band or DJ sets across the historic village centre, with The Ale Rooms playing vinyl all day.
Local artist GrumpleStiltStine will also create a brand new Slow Century window installation over the course of the day to mark RSD.
John Ellis, owner of Slow Century Records, said: “Record Store Day has always been an important part of my life, building my own record collection, so being a bigger part of this and helping other collectors is fantastic thing.
“Working with the local businesses and our own team to be able to create a big experience for the high street that everyone can enjoy has been lots of fun.
“Our shop is a little under six months old and this is a massive achievement for us, we really want to help build a cool community.”
Slow Century Records, named after a seminal documentary on influential US rock band Pavement, was founded by Pavement fan, rock DJ and mental health nurse John Ellis.
For more than 20 years, he worked as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, leading community teams and supporting people across the West Midlands.
Over the past 10 years the Solihull native has built a career and a reputation as a DJ, booker for festivals, promoter, and broadcaster known to thousands of listeners as Atom Heart Mutha.
Slow Century Records believes in the power of music to foster connections and inspire conversations.
The record shop and label actively engages with its community of music enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant space where individuals can share their love for music and expand their musical horizons.
Record Store Day takes place at Slow Century, Knowle Solihull from 0900 on Saturday 18 April. For all related event listings vist the official Slow Century Records official website