How have we all been enjoying the sun this past week? There’s more where that came from too.
June is in full swing, and now that summer is here in all its glory, there’s absolutely no shortage of things for the whole family to be getting up to in Greater Manchester this month, as you’d expect – we’re talking festivals, themed events, new foodie openings, and loads more on the horizon in the coming weeks.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries.
We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide, both free things, and those that’ll set you back a few pennies too.
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Clocking Manchester: 130 Years in the City’s Evolving Skyline
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Monday 23 June – onwards
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Clocking Manchester: 130 Years in the City’s Evolving Skyline / Credit: Supplied
A new free exhibition is now open allowing visitors to open the door into the rich history of one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings, the Refuge Assurance Building, which is now the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.
Clocking Manchester: 130 Years in the City’s Evolving Skyline has transformed the walls of the hotel’s Refuge bar and dining space to chart the building’s remarkable journey, from its beginnings in 1895 to its current life as one of the city’s most loved luxury hotels.
Alongside the story of the building itself, the exhibition also highlights the people who have shaped the building over the decades.
National Trust – Sky Gardening Challenge / Credit: The Manc Group
It’s time to get your green thumbs out, as the National Trust has challenged city dwellers to ‘green’ their balconies this summer.
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We know the city is a little lacking in greenspace, so why not bring the greenspace to you? If you need some tips and tricks on how to get a little greener, and what plants would work best in your mini oasis, then you can grab yourself booklets, seeds.
Plus, they’re also running free workshops across Greater Manchester.
Oh and hey, if you think you’ve got a bloomin’ lovely balcony, then you can now enter the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge and be in with the chance of winning some exciting prizes.
An award-winning play about the England men’s national football team is playing outside of London for the first time ever, and Greater Manchester has been chosen as the lucky location.
The National Theatre’s smash-hit production of writer James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play, Dear England, has started its four-week run at the legendary The Lowry in Salford, and audiences have a chance to catch it up until 29 June.
Directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rupert Goold, Dear England tells the story of the England men’s football team under former manager, Gareth Southgate.
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You / Credit: Science Museum Group
You can plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses at a new immersive museum exhibition that’s now arrived at the Science and Industry Museum.
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Back by popular demand after a successful run over these past two years, but with a fresh new adventure lined up for 2025, Operation Ouch! is giving you the chance to journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
Tickets to Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You are now on sale, and visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Kargo on the Docks is back for the summer.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
MOTH, which sells premium cocktails in a can, has launched its first ever MOTH: Licence corner shop here in Manchester’s Northern Quarter
This convenience store with a twist on Oldham Street is now serving delicious boozy beverages in a can, with live DJ sets and the chance to win prizes.
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These refreshing, bar-strength premium canned cocktails are ideal for picnics, single-serve drinking, and shoving in your bag for whatever summer adventures you may be heading out on.
The UK’s first official Oasis merch store has now opened in Manchester.
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Officially throwing its doors open in Spinningfields at the end of last week, the Oasis Live ’25 Fan Store is stocked full to the brim of all the official merch for the hotly-anticipated reunion tour this summer, and it’s also launching online as well as in store.
As well as the official tour merchandise, the store sells exclusive brand collaborations, limited-edition products, and items not available to buy anywhere else.
Did you see that Manchester Museum has been named European Museum of the Year for 2025?
Talk about a prestigious title.
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Yes that’s right, congratulations are in order, because Manchester Museum – which is part of The University of Manchester (UoM) – has received one of the most prestigious museum awards in the world, the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA).
Not only that, but it’s made history in doing so too, as it’s the first university museum to ever receive the annual prize.
Manchester Museum has been named the European Museum of the Year for 2025 / Credit: Manchester Museum
It beat out 41 other cultural hubs across the continent to claim the coveted prize.
Operated by the European Museum Forum (EMF), EMYA recognises new or redeveloped museums that showcase the best in excellence and innovation in their field.
A free open-air cinema is coming to Manchester city centre this summer.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square will be a go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences will be able to recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
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It’s all launching at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Glastonbury weekend is upon us, and to celebrate the UK’s biggest music festival in all its glory, Nell’s is hosting its own festivals instead.
The beloved New York-style pizza specialists – which now has four sites across the region – is turning two of its most popular restaurants into festival hubs next weekend, bringing all the spirit of Glastonbury to Kampus and Altrincham.
Manchester’s thriving canalside neighbourhood Kampus will become home to the aptly-named Kampus Fest, while over in the Trafford town of Altrincham, Alty Fest will be in full force.
You can expect big screens live streaming the full Glastonbury festival throughout, plus pop-up markets, face painting and hair tinsel stations, outdoor tequila and margarita bars, happy hours, and of course, lots and lots of Nell’s pizza.
Find out more about both these free festivals here.
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Street Eat
Rochdale Town Hall Square
Saturday 28 June
Street Eat / Credit: Supplied
Rochdale Town Hall Square will be packed with foodies galore this weekend, as the town marks the return of its popular food festival.
Street Eat is one of the biggest days of the year in the Rochdale calendar, organised by the Rochdale Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), welcoming food and drinks stalls from local vendors and restaurants.
A whole host of other free activities will be happening throughout the day, including live Punch and Judy shows, face painting, a caricaturist sketching portraits, and lots of live music.
One of Manchester’s historic market halls has been revived for a new era, and a series of free summer festivals are set to celebrate – with the first kicking off this weekend.
As part of the unveiling of the newly-revived Campfield Mega Campus – a grade II-listed building that will be returning to its original purpose as a bustling market hall for the first time this century, a one-of-a-kind artisanal festival called The Weekender will be back on Saturday.
Expect a curated makers market, live music, creative classes, kids activities, top street food, delicious beverages, and a few other creative surprises.
A massive music-filled takeover of Manchester arrives this weekend ahead of 1.3 million music tourists descending on the city centre this summer.
MCR Live ’25 will celebrate what promises to be a sensational summer of sound.
There’ll be everything from a pop-up bar in Piccadilly Gardens with surprise live acts doing sets, and markets in St Peter’s Square selling vinyl and vintage goods, to block parties in the Northern Quarter, and the already-announced Music for the Senses art trail dotted around all the well-known city centre sights.
Featured Image – Nell’s | The Manc Group | Rochdale BID
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 13 – 19 April 2026
Emily Sergeant
April is well underway now, with plenty happening so far this month… and there’s lots more to come.
Now that it’s officially spring in the UK, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week. Just as long as those classic ‘April showers’ don’t show their face too much, that is.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Matilda The Musical
Manchester Palace Theatre
Monday 13 – Saturday 25 April
Matilda The Musical / Credit: The Manc | Supplied
Matilda The Musical has now arrived in Manchester.
The RSC’s smash-hit musical – which is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book of the same name – is currently on a tour of the UK and Ireland, and this includes a special four-week run at Manchester’s iconic Palace Theatre.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the beloved production about a determined heroine with a vivid imagination has won hearts all over the globe.
Find out more and see if you can grab yourself some last-minute tickets here.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
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Picasso: A Legacy
Castle Fine Art
Monday 13 April – 4 May
Picasso: A Legacy / Credit: Supplied
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is currently open in Manchester, including works never-before seen on public display.
The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
Works from legendary Japanese artists Hokusai and Hiroshige have now arrived in the city.
Opening the Whitworth’s first exhibition of Japanese print in more than a century, ‘Beneath the Great Wave’, features colourful woodblock ukiyo-e prints from Edo-period Japan, dating as far back as 1700s – including the iconic ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’.
It’s an easy shout if you fancy something different this week, oh and even better, it’s completely FREE to enter and look around.
Get ready to have your very own Patrick Swayze moment, because there’s a gorgeous new spot just opened in the Northern Quarter where you can craft your very own pottery pieces.
At House Pottery, you can make your own, bowl, cup, or candlestick on a traditional pottery wheel.
They do classes for all different skill levels, so whether you choose to go alone, or as a group, the lovely professionals are there to guide you throughout.
Hatter’s is a brand-new food hall that’s just opened up in Denton, with four kitchens and two bars across a huge two-storey venue.
In the kitchens, they’ve got the legendary Tameside Italian Ornella’s, Christmas Markets favourite Waffle Kart, the delightful Spanish kitchen Casa Dario, and Oldham’s much-loved meat experts Curio.
That means you can get pizza and tiramisu, Asian-inspired chicken and waffles, Argentinian steaks, and authentic Spanish paella and tortilla, all under one roof.
Plere is Chorlton’s newest neighbourhood hangout, serving up a gorgeous selection of craft beer, wine, and bar snacks in a laid-back space. It’s a proper little sun trap too – perfect for enjoying a pint or two in the Manchester sun.
With DJs spinning vinyls until late across the weekend and a solid team on the bar, this is a new opening you should get behind.
Manchester Marathon 2026 / Credit: Manchester Marathon
The adidas Manchester Marathon returns to the streets of Greater Manchester this Sunday.
More than 42,000 participants and 140,000 spectators will take to the streets for one of the UK’s biggest and most iconic running events.
Known for its flat route and incredible Mancunian crowd support, the event is now the second-largest marathon in the UK and one of the biggest in Europe – attracting elite athletes, charity participants and first-time marathoners alike.
The event, once again, places Greater Manchester at the centre of the UK running calendar, bringing communities together across the city’s streets.
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Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in March, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in April, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too. From mini tiramisu drawers, to Magnum-stuffed croissants, egg custard tarts, and more, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Do you know about the ‘secret’ Italian produce cash-and-carry in Manchester city centre?
You’ve probably seen the grey trucks belonging to Amato Products all over Manchester, usually parked outside your favourite restaurants delivering premium ingredients to them, but this wholesaler has another trick up its sleeve… a miniature supermarket where you can pick up quality Italian produce for way less than your local Tesco.
Whether it’s guanciale, San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, burrata, unusual pasta shapes, pizza dough, pre-filled pasta, or even octopus you’re after, you’ll find it here.
Ever seen a full menu of Scotch eggs? We’re gonna guess not.
But that’s exactly what you’ll find over at The Davenport Arms.
There’s no greater duo than a pint and a Scotch egg, and now you can find the perfect pairing at a pub in Stockport. Known locally as The Thief’s Neck, The Davenport Arms has launched a whole menu of different homemade Scotch eggs, each served with its own matched condiments.
Not only is there a wide selection of savoury options, just as you’d expect, but did we mention there’s a dessert one too.
Featured Image – Manchester Marathon | The Manc Group
What's On
20 of the best record shops in and around Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
When it comes to listing things that define our city’s culture, music and Manchester go hand-in-hand; we’re up there with one of the most influential music places on the planet, and we’ve got the best record shops to go with it – no exaggeration.
It’s that time of the year again to give our independent music stores the love and recognition they deserve. In a city brimming with musical history, it seems only right that we celebrate properly.
With analogue media seeming to be back on the rise/ trending and the music event scene saturated with DJs using vinyl, there’s no time like the present to explore Greater Manchester’s wide selection of indie record shops.
Whether you’re looking to buy or are simply a music lover after ideas for a day out, these shops deserve some attention. We thought we’d help you curate your itinerary for this Record Store Day, so here is your guide for 20 of the best record shops to visit for RSD UK 2026.
20 best record shops in Manchester city centre and beyond
1. Sifters Records – Burnage
The vinyl action around Greater Manchester may be concentrated around the city centre, but you’ll find one of the best record stores out in Burnage.
Even if you’ve never visited Sifters Records, you’ll recognise the name – this is the very shop referenced by Oasis in their tune ‘Shakermaker’, where Noel Gallagher sings: “Mister Sifter sold me songs when I was just sixteen.”
The musician used to shop here when he was a teenager, way before Oasis started releasing their own records, and their impact on the surrounding community and other local artists is massive.
The shop was opened more than 40 years ago by Mr Sifter himself, Pete Howard, who stocked it with 700 of his own LPs. Inside, you’ll find a massive collection of rare and vintage records.
2. Piccadilly Records – Northern Quarter
Piccadilly Records, ironically in the Northern Quarter instead (Credit: Audio North)
This is arguably the city’s best-known (and most-photographed) record store, with its orange sign and pretty patchwork of vinyl covers in the window. You’ll find it in the middle of Oldham Street, right in the beating heart of the Northern Quarter.
Part of Manchester’s music scene since 1978, the shop thrived in the post-punk era of the 1980s.
Following relocation and new management in the 90s, it’s widely considered one of the world’s best independent record shops (yes, the world), and is always at the heart of Record Store Day, with queues forming at least a day before.
Be sure to check out Piccadilly Records’ website for their handpicked selection of the releases they are set to be stocking on Saturday, 18 April. Make sure to be down there nice and early, as they open at 8am this year, and it will not be possible to reserve anything. You have been warned.
3. Vinyl Exchange – NQ
One of the GOATsAlways busy on RSDAn NQ favourite (Credit: The Manc Group/Vinyl Exchange via Instagram)
Another Northern Quarter institution is Vinyl Exchange, which has stood on the corner of Oldham Street and Dale Street (give or take a few metres) since 1988.
Its impressive catalogue of collectors’ editions and fan favourites makes Vinyl Exchange a popular site with people of all ages – including, apparently, some of the world’s most iconic musicians themselves. Regular shoppers have included Tim Burgess, Johnny Marr, and Bez.
Sprawled across two floors are CDs and records spanning just about every genre, from rock and indie, metal, punk, alternative, experimental, industrial, psychedelic and soundtracks.
We sadly had to say goodbye to owner Rae Donaldson in February 2024, but what a legacy he’s left behind – rest in peace, legend. Their emails are open to any last-minute requests, but again, no reservations are possible, so don’t wait around.
4. Vinyl Revival – NQ
Vinyl Revival, also Northern Quarter (Credit: The Manc)
It’s all about Manchester’s musical history at Vinyl Revival, which proudly toots the horn of the city’s local bands from the 1960s to the present day.
Sandwiched in between a sex shop and an old pet store, it’s been sat here in NQ for almost 30 years and stocks a massive range of vinyl, CDs, t-shirts and posters.
Their Record Store Day collection is always up there with the very best, so keep your eyes peeled.
Bury‘s only independent record store spans two floors in a beautiful Grade II-listed building on Market Street in the heart of the town.
As well as its new and used vinyl collection – which you can test out on a turntable and headphones set-up – there’s a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, food, snacks and fresh cakes.
It pulls in a lot of live music from some massive names too, with recent intimate gigs and meet-and-greets from The Lathums, Inspiral Carpets and The Cribs.
They’re another load of early birds too, with doors opening from 8am, but the queues for Record Store Day itself always start a good 20 hours beforehand.
6. Kingbee Records – Chorlton
‘r LesChorlton’s Kingbee Records (Credit: X/Facebook)
Once again, while many of you living outside the city centre might often complain ‘there aren’t enough record shops near me’, those of you living in Chorlton will know that isn’t a problem you have to worry about.
You don’t need to hop on a tram into town or wander your way down some miscellaneous backstreet to spot the sunny yellow frontage of Kingbee Records, a place that has been a staple in Chorlton for as long as most of us can remember and owned the entire time by Les Hare.
The shop buys and sells all styles of music, with a stock that changes daily. Charmingly, their website bio says (and strap in for this):
“You can’t move in here on Saturday afternoon for errant dads who’ve been sent out for a loaf and taken a musical detour, indie hipsters discovering krautrock and discovering the 80s on 50p sevens, serious spending collectors eyeing the big pieces on the walls, disco mums with prams in the 12′ racks, reggae obsessives sifting the boxes for super heavyweight ska, still sharp in their 50s chaps in good shoes, evaluating the latest northern stock, Big shot US house DJs in town for the night and doubling up on obscure electro on sale at a snip, king bee WAGs huffing and puffing at the door while their loved ones spend half of next months mortgage on a pile of Cds that remind them of pramless teenage freedom, old fellers in the jazz racks lost in a world of trios, blue note and bossa, Beatle nuts buying different issues of records they already own, mods and sods, pop gods and odd bods – people who know that music is the only real magic in life.”
Anyone who’s spent time soaking in the sun on Eastern Bloc’s benches in NQ come spring and summertime will know that it’s one of the pure joys in life; however, it surprised us to learn how many people still don’t realise it’s much more than that. Upstairs, you’ll find (for our money) one of the best record shops anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Starting out as a record store back in 1985, ‘E Bloc’ soon became a cultural institution and music mecca in the Manchester music scene, helping launch bands such as the Inspiral Carpets and hosting many an in-store signing for the likes of The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.
It’s also responsible for breaking plenty of the new dance music back in the day, being one of the only shops in the UK to import dance music from around the globe and with one of the owners even going on to become part of Manc electronic legends, 808 State.
Countless names have come through here to get their hands on the latest vinyl promos down the years, and it remains a cutting-edge corner of the electronic scene, especially to this day. They don’t always take part in RSD, but it doesn’t mean it still isn’t a place to waste an afternoon looking through their catalogue and sinking a couple of pints.
For Record Store Day 2026, they’ve got their usual annual party with sets from DJ Navigate, Paul McKenna, Camilla Rhengenzi and more; they’ve also got a 40% off sale online this year, so that’s worth checking out, too.
8. Clampdown Records – Piccadilly
We’d well and truly label this an old-fashioned record shopping experience (Credit: Facebook)
Clampdown Records is another city centre sweet spot located on Paton Street at the back end of Piccadilly.
Not to be confused with the record-pressing company, the honest little independent record store has the charm of somehow always feeling quiet but cosy – well, except for when it comes to that one Saturday in April, obviously.
It started out life as a mail-order service only before setting up in the Corn Exchange in 1990. Sadly, following the IRA bombings six years later, they lost most of their stock and had to start again from scratch.
Nevertheless, cut to more than 30 years later, and they’ve been open every day since, stocking some of the best rock, punk, indie, funk, soul and jazz records, both old and new.
Better still, it’s also one of the best places to exchange music, with healthy trade-in prices as owner Neil Clarke is always looking to add big collections to his catalogue.
9. Vinyl Resting Place – Afflecks
An Afflecks institution (Credit: Facebook)
And then, of course, we have Vinyl Resting Place: arguably the greatest name for a shop we’ve ever come across anywhere in 0161.
Located on the third floor of the ever-enchanting Afflecks Palace, the record store is taped in the Hacienda black and yellow with a sign and might be one of the busiest shops in Afflecks on any given day — and that’s saying something.
Run by fellow enthusiast Alistair Hall, who makes sure the soundtrack to this site is also on point, Vinyl Resting Place is, without a doubt, one of the best places to buy and sell records in Manchester. It really is as simple as that.
From our experience, he’s also a very hands-on owner and is always happy to help you sift through as many records as he can stomach in the search for a winner, stocking a wide variety of stuff beyond his go-to classic rock staples.
10. FOPP – Central
FOPP on Brown Street – silly name we know, but a good shop nonetheless (Credit: FOPP)
Now, you might be forgiven for mistaking FOPP for a HMV — after all, they are owned by the same people; however, this place is much more and after being rescued by the music and entertainment store chain a few years back, they’ve downsized and have done better than just steady the ship.
With just six locations across the UK at present (Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Nottingham, Cambridge and Manchester), this quirky music shop sells everything from vinyls to games and DVDs, books, random merch and more.
Tucked away on Brown Street just across the way from the Arndale, FOPP is like HMV with an added feel of Forbidden Planet and still has plenty of traffic through its doors each and every day.
It’s also been the site of some really big signings in recent years, such as the Pixies, Declan McKenna, Idles and countless others. It’ll be packed for Record Store Day, so make sure to get there early.
11. Empire Exchange – Piccadilly
Last but not least, we have Empire Exchange, which, as they famously note, is much more than a record store and is always a joy to wander around.
If you’ve never come down from the station and towards Piccadilly Gardens without hearing the speakers blaring music out of the front door to passersby all day long, have you ever really been to Manchester?
Empire Exchange on Newton Street sells everything from vintage records and retro CDs to comics, memorabilia and all manner of other trinkets. Starting out from nothing more than a young stamp collector’s obsession, it spawned into two shops (the old one up on Shudehill) before downsizing to this one legendary location over 20 years ago.
It was opened by two mates, John Ireland and Ian Stott, and although Ian sadly passed away in 2021, John and his son Dave have been keeping their love of music and collecting things alive. Now, if that doesn’t sum up how special places like record stores are, then I don’t know what does.
Last up on our list of a dozen brilliant shops selling vinyl and hidden gems from the Manc music scene is one of the newest on the record store circuit. It also happens to have one of the best names, too.
Fittingly called Withy Groove in relation to the historic Stores over the road, this new addition to Shudehill is buried in a basement just next to Rambo’s Tattoos and really does feel like you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret. There are very few of those left these days.
They’ve got a dedicated section for rarities and super valuable special editions too, and we spent a good long while flicking through it, believe us.
In fact, we were such big fans that we did a whole little feature on this new curiosity located just on the edge of NQ, so click HERE to find out more.
13. Rubber Ducky Records – Islington Marina
When you listen to a certain track, sometimes you can feel like you’re ‘Walking On Sunshine’ or ‘Flying Without Wings’ – Well, this shop doesn’t make you feel like you’re floating, you actually are.
Specialising in all things dance, trance, house and more, Rubber Ducky Records is just off the Northern Quarter, docking up in and around Islington Marina.
Shop owner Myles also loves to show off his collection by spinning his records during DJ sets up and down the country.
While he’s technically based over in Liverpool most regularly nowadays, we’re hoping that he’ll sail his way back down the Mersey and Manc canals for a comeback sometime soon.
14. Vinyl Fetishes – Pollard Yard
Vinyl Fetishes – Pollard Yard’s LGBTQIA+ owned music shop with its many pop offerings.The selection at Vinyl Fetishes specialises in pop releases.Credit: The Manc
If you can’t get enough of pop music, this is the place to go (and you’ll also never want to leave).
Vinyl Fetishes is fairly new to the Manchester record shop scene, and it has definitely made a name for itself, stocking practically all variants of Parklife headliner Charli XCX’s monumental ‘Brat’ album after it hit our ears last summer.
One thing’s for sure: school is back in session, as you’re about to be educated on every single pop diva that has graced planet earth, from Whitney to Madonna, Mariah to Gaga, all the staples are covered.
In collaboration with Pollard Yard for RSD 2026, Vinyl Fetishes is also hosting a special all-day festival on Saturday (18 April) from 8am-5pm, packed with live music from local artists, food and drinks.
15. Off The Record – Bury
Record shop owners Bobby and Angie, Off The Record at Bury Market.Racks upon racks of holy grail (vinyl), especially Elvis.
If you leave a record shop feeling ‘All Shook Up’, or your bank account screams “You’re the devil in disguise” after one too many purchases, then this record shop is ideal for you.
Right in the heart of the much-loved Bury Market, you’ll find none other than Off The Record, the music shop with a ‘Burning Love’ for King of Rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis.
Fear not, though: it isn’t just the Graceland star who sits pretty on their shelves; music lovers can find everything from Metallica to some of the best deep cuts of reggae. This really is a shop for all.
Yes, you heard us right – while this shop has only been open since November 2025, it has quickly gained traction with the younger generation in the music and events scene. Haunted Dancehall supplies a selection of both new and used vinyl, with a specific focus on electronic music.
The shop is located on the second floor of Wellington House, New Islington, which is easily accessible via tram from the city centre.
Why not give a new shop a chance this Record Store Day?
17. SK1 Records – Stockport
DON’T panic! They’ve not closed down; due to increasing popularity SK1 Records,, they’ve simply moved next door to a larger space, so there’s more room to store all of that vinyl.
SK1 Records is an independent record shop and cafe in the heart of Underbank, which specialises in new and pre-loved house, techno, hip-hop and indie vinyl. It serves as a community hub for music enthusiasts and is best known for their lively street parties and events.
With in-store listening decks, some great coffee on offer and only 8 minutes on the train from Manchester Piccadilly – it’s a no brainer.
They also have some of the coolest street parties on the planet.
This hidden gem established in 2023 in Altrincham will be another one to hit on Record Store Day, specialising in collectible pre-loved vinyl as well as cassettes, CDs and limited new releases.
They even have their own section of their website dedicated to music from iconic Mancunian bands such as Joy Division, The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.
Be sure to come down and have a browse through their thousands of records and music themed t-shirts.
Pretty decent bunch of additions this week, might keep a couple if you don’t come get ‘em ✌️ pic.twitter.com/u012fwXk2o
Another Alty classic is Tasty Records; established back in 2013 this shop has truly become a staple for vinyl lovers.
Tasty Records has an inclusive atmosphere, with a variety of prices and genres, prioritising accessibility to all with an interest in music. They pride themselves on their rare selection of ‘back catalogue’ items and top quality niche stock, bringing in famous faces and locals, all after the ‘best records’ in town.
Record Store Day is a big deal over at Tasty Records. With their list finally out, make sure to fill in their online form to give notice of what vinyls you want to see there on Saturday.
With new stock almost every single day, this is not one to miss off your list.
Sticky Black Tarmac is located in Leigh Spinners Mill, which is an amazing space that hosts a diverse range of activities and businesses, only a short drive from Manchester city centre.
Best known for their pop-up stalls at Wandering Palate, a neighbourhood bar and deli in Monton, on the first and third Sunday of the month, as well as at The Snug in Atherton, on the last Sunday of every month, which is definitely an event worth the hype with DJ sets, guest stalls, drinks and pizza available.
This Record Store Day, they’ve teamed up with Bocoffeeco in the interest of bringing like-minded individuals together in the name of culture and community. Rated as a five-star record shop on their Google profile, the reviews speak for themselves.
Better yet, they’ll be offering 10% off to anyone who comes down and picks up a record that day.
Now, this is by no means an exhaustive list; we know full well that there are plenty more locations up there that many of you would consider among the best record shops in Greater Manchester — that’s what the comments section is for.
But that’s what the love of music is all about, right? Blindly trying to make your way through all of the incredible records and artists in the world, knowing full well it’s an impossible task and you’ll never listen to it all, as well as sharing it with your mates and getting them onto their new favourite band.
Record shops are one of the perfect places to do that and play your part in the eternal circle of a music lover’s life: never even scratching the surface of all the music out there but eagerly awaiting to play it to your friend, whilst watching their face light up as they discover a new obsession, and vice versa.
Happy Record Store Day 2026 from all of us here at The Manc and Audio North.
Emily Sergeant -
20th June 2025 
