The season’s have changed, the leaves are beginning to drop and change colour, and spooky season’s now right around the corner, so that means there’s plenty of exciting activities to be getting up to in Greater Manchester in the coming weeks and beyond, as autumn in our region is always a thing of beauty.
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.
___
ADVERTISEMENT
Pumpkin Festival 2025
Kenyon Hall Farm
Monday 6 – Friday 31 October
ADVERTISEMENT
Pumpkin Festival 2025 / Credit: The Manc Group
What could be more cute and autumnal than rummaging around in a field in the October sunshine, hunting for your perfect pumpkin? Nothing, if you ask us.
If you’re liking the sound of that, then good news, as Kenyon Hall Farm’s annual Pumpkin Festival has officially kicked off and they’ve got THOUSANDS to choose from.
As well as the fields full of pumpkins, there’s loads of seasonal items in the award-winning farm shop too (alongside masses of fresh produce), like tattoo transfers for your pumpkins, gonks, keyrings, and more.
ADVERTISEMENT
And don’t forget to stop off at the cafe for their seasonal pumpkin specials.
13 Going On 30 The Musical officially made its world premiere in Manchester last week, and there’s still one more week left to see it for yourself.
This totally grown-up new musical comedy is based of the hit 2004 film of the same name starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, and is now playing at Manchester Opera House to enthusiastic crowds.
Don’t miss this hilarious and inspiring new production about the choices we make, the friends we choose and the beauty of never losing your sparkle.
Find out more, read our review, and get last-minute tickets here.
___
ADVERTISEMENT
Oktoberfest 2025
Albert’s Schloss
Monday 6 – Sunday 12 October
Oktoberfest 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Manchester’s ‘Bavarian extravaganza’ is back, and this year, there’s THREE whole weeks of it.
As always, Albert’s Schloss has a jam-packed programme of Oktoberfest-themed events for this year, and there’s plenty of bier-fuelled fun, foodie classics, and round-the-clock revelry that awaits.
Throughout the 21-day-long event, which culminates with one final Bavarian blowout on Sunday 12 October, revellers are invited to head on down to Schloss and enjoy an array of activities – with everything from ‘Keg Tapping’, and specially-selected beers, to must-see ‘eclectic’ entertainment, a live Oompah brass band, and best dressed competitions on the lineup.
ADVERTISEMENT
Not to mention there’s a full menu of Bavarian-inspired feasting to look forward to too, and it’s more than just pretzels.
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 down at the Science and Industry Museum.
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”.
Feeling brave? Scare City has returned to the North West with yet another ‘immersive’ horror experience in the lead up to Halloween.
Taking over the grounds of the abandoned Camelot Theme Park for ‘another year of terror’, just as it has done for the past four years following the success of its initial 2020 launch as a drive-in cinema, this year’s event features a selection of terrifying zones to weave your way through – some familiar, some brand new.
Tickets are now available to book at £29.50 for standard entry, or £44.50 for the ‘Gold Entry’ (both plus a booking free).
ADVERTISEMENT
Find out more and grab tickets to this year’s event here.
___
Pumpkin Lanterns
Manchester City Centre
Monday 6 – Friday 31 October
Pumpkin Lanterns / Credit: CityCo / Manchester BID
Have you noticed that Manchester’s adorable little pumpkin lanterns have already started popping up around the city?
ADVERTISEMENT
If you’re looking to get in the mood for Halloween, but want to keep things a little on the cheaper side this week, then you need look no further than up above in the city centre as the annual decorative pumpkin lanterns are back once again.
Going on a little tour to see the lanterns in the trees in St Ann’s Square, Market Street, and beyond is the perfect activity for all the family, easy to plan, and great for pictures – and it’s free too.
Did someone order a new restaurant with the best views of the city? Because you got one.
Chotto Matte officially opens this Friday, and we got a glimpse inside its staggering new venue with 360º views of Manchester and a gigantic rooftop terrace a little early.
There’s dazzling indoor restaurant spaces, private dining rooms, and some of town’s coolest loos inside this jaw-dropping new opening.
The 20,000 sq ft space splits into two concepts and cuisines – Nikkei cuisine (sushi, tempura, robata) and an exclusive new concept called Claude’s, a Mexican-inspired sky view bar with literally hundreds of mezcals and tequilas.
Summer may be over, but guess what? Now that autumn is well and truly here, that means we get to wear layers, cosy up in our favourite places, and eat heartwarming plates piled high with all the major food groups.
Whether you want the likes of Banyan’s bottomless Yorkshire puddings bigger than your head, or swapping your meat out for a pie (you heard us), we’ve got something to suit everyone.
Roast dinners / Credit: The Manc Group
You can even get dog roasts too, if you ask The Refuge nicely, so check out our top 25 best places to head to for a perfect roast in Greater Manchester here.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
Did you know you can rent your own private cinema in Manchester city centre?
You may be in deep (far too deep) to the latest teen drama like we were a couple of weeks back, biting your nails through a sporting event, or just wish you could see your favourite film on the big screen again – and that’s where King Street Townhouse comes in.
There’s a luxury cinema tucked away in this popular hotel and you can book it out for all sorts of private screenings, and it’s an ideal way to snuggle up once the winter days arrive.
There’s loads of packages too, so you can stick whatever you want on the cinema screen, relax in plush armchairs, and tuck into cocktails, popcorn, and snacks.
What about ‘street nipples’? Have you noticed any of those popping up around Manchester in recent days?
Yes that’s right, we did say ‘street nipples’, you heard us correctly.
In case you weren’t aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as a way of marking this hugely crucial event, pavement studs across major UK cities like Manchester have been transformed into nipples as part of a bold conversation-starting initiative from charity Breast Cancer UK.
Pavement studs often go unnoticed, just like the early signs of breast cancer – but this clever new campaign is already stopping people in their tracks.
Are you a fan of Pride and Prejudice? It’s time to step into the world of Jane Austen.
Lyme Park is celebrating 30 years since Pride and Prejudice was filmed there by reprising its role as ‘Pemberley’ three decades on from the BBC adaptation series.
The National Trust, which cares for Lyme Park, is inviting visitors to step into the pages of Jane Austen’s beloved novel with a series of events to commemorate the occasion throughout this month – including needlework classes, themed spaces, and regency fancy dress activities, both inside the house and outside in the grounds.
30 Years of Pride and Prejudice at Lyme / Credit: BBC | National Trust
Lyme will celebrate 30 years of BBC’s Pride and Prejudice until Wednesday 22 October, and entry to the park is free for National Trust members, while admission fees apply for non-members.
Some events, however, will be ticketed, and you can find out everything happening here.
___
Featured Image – The Manc Group | CityCo / Manchester BID
Art & Culture
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 20 – 26 April 2026
Emily Sergeant
April is beginning to draw to a close now, and it won’t be long before May is here… where IS this year going, honestly?
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.
___
Matilda The Musical
Manchester Palace Theatre
Monday 20 – Saturday 25 April
Matilda The Musical / Credit: The Manc | Supplied
This is your last week to catch Matilda The Musical 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.
___
Picasso: A Legacy
Castle Fine Art
Monday 20 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.
Two floors, three bars, and plenty of craic – Katie O’Brien’s has now arrived in Manchester.
That’s right – Katie O’Brien’s has just opened its doors on Peter Street, transforming the old Peaky Blinders bar into a lively Irish tavern with plenty of charm, and I think we can all agree this is looking pretty impressive.
There’s both Murphy’s AND Guinness on tap, live music seven nights a week, and all sorts of cosy snugs to hide away in.
Whether you’re hitting the dance floor beneath the elevated main stage, or hiding away nursing a pint with pals, they’ve got your back.
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.
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.
___
Oasis Supernova – The Maine Event 30th Anniversary
Manchester Academy 1
Saturday 25 April
Oasis Supernova – The Maine Event 30th Anniversary / Credit: Supplied
Oasis Supernova are celebrating the 30 year anniversary of Oasis playing their legendary Maine Road shows by taking to the stage themselves at Manchester Academy 1 this Saturday (25 April) for one night only, and it’s shaping up to be the place to be.
Expect wall-to-wall anthems, electric atmosphere, and a crowd that knows every word, as we celebrate one of the greatest bands to ever do it.
This isn’t just another tribute night – it’s a full-blown, hands-in-the-air, sing-it-like-you-mean-it experience. A huge video wall showing iconic gig footage, brass section, live harmonica and strings, play, alongside the world’s premier Oasis tribute band.
Can you believe Oxygen is turning a year old this month?
That’s right – MediaCity’s massive trampoline park has been open one whole year this month, and you’re invited down to celebrate, with play sessions available for just £10 this weekend.
Whether the kids want to try out some new tricks on the trampolines and giant airbag, or love heights and fancy exploring the High Ropes Course and indoor ‘Sky Rider’, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
With Open Play, Toddler Play, birthday party bookings and even dedicated SEN Peaceful Play sessions – there’s something for everyone. And then after all that fun, you can gather up the gang and get stuck into food and drinks from the on-site cafe.
Get booking your day out at Oxygen MediaCity here.
___
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.
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 has 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 arguably best known for its 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 don’t actually take part in RSD, but we couldn’t give a run-down of our favourite record shops in Greater Manchester without singing their praises.
This hidden gem, established in 2023 in Altrincham, will be another one to hit on Record Store Day, specialising in collectable 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 very cool 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 -
2nd October 2025 
