Record Store Day 2016: The UK-wide events to have on your radar

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Forget streaming sites and downloads - a record store is the real hub music fans flock to when they want to seek out an album.

Held every third Saturday in April, in nine short years Record Store Day - held today (16 April) - has become one of the most anticipated days on the music calendar permitting music fans to celebrate the independent retailers that continue to feed people's vinyl-buying habits year in, year out.

Formed by Chris Brown (not that one) in the U.S., the day exists in an attempt to recapture a time when excited fans would flock to their nearest record store to buy the latest release from their favourite musicians.

With the participation of over 200 independent record stores, the event serves as your only chance to get your hands on limited edition vinyl created specifically by the record labels. Bob Dylan, Slaves, Chvrches, The Kinks and Eagles of Death Metal are just some fo the artists whose music will be filling shelves.

Of course, with such an occasion comes the opportunity for several stores to join the party; expect live music, DJs and charity giveaways. Below is a small selection of the events taking place across the UK.

You can find an eclectic list of the exclusive vinyl on offer here.

Container Records / Pop Brixton, London

A new controversial record store opened by a small group of friends in Pop Brixton, Container Records has gone all out for this year's event in the precise fashion you'd hope; there will be DJ appearances as well as multiple stalls being hosted by a string of labels right through until midnight. 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ

Bear Tree Records, Sheffield

As the newest independent record store in Sheffield, all eyes were on Bear Tree Records to deliver - it's safe to say they've not disappointed; having amassed a selection of 'extra special' products and donations from artists such as Richard Hawley and Róisín Murphy, customers can partake in a 'blind buy sale,' the proceeds of which will be split between two local charities. Craft Workshop 5, Orchard Square (Upstairs), Sheffield, S1 2FB

Banquet Records, Kingston-upon-Thames

It's not raining (yet) so the outside stage just around the corner from Banquet's Ashdown Road location is the perfect way to spend Record Store Day. With dreamy indie-folk from midday, a quirky alt-indie-pop three-piece named Bleeding Heart Pigeons will be taking to the stage at 3pm. 52 Eden Street, KT1 1EE

Eastern Bloc Records, Manchester

It's an all-day party at Eastern Bloc courtesy of DJ Swindells and Jim Bane who'll be occupying the ground floor bar from 4pm spinning the best vinyl from all over the globe. Free entry. 5a Stevenson Square, M1 1DN

Love Music, Glasgow

Love Music is to ambitiously take over three venues in the heart of Glasgow for the day's celebrations which will see the release of over 500 limited edition records. Live music, a free tea stall (yes, you read that right) and Love's famed Record Store Day cakes make this a place to visit for anyone based nearby. 34 Dundas Street, G1 2AQ