A SWINDON music centre is bracing itself for an invasion of vinyl junkies over the Easter Weekend in celebration of good old fashioned LPs and 45rpm singles.

Red House Records, situated within the Holmes Music complex in Faringdon Road, plans two days of live and recorded music as part of an international initiative.

It will be taking part in national Record Store Day, which was launched in the UK seven years ago with the aim of boosting “the unique culture” of independent record shops.

The event on Saturday 19 and Sunday, April 20 will see ‘lots of exclusive vinyl releases available, many for the first time’ according to Red House Records boss Paul Holmes.

He went on: “This event is the biggest on the calendar for music fans and record collectors, and we are very excited to be able to take part.”

Record Store Day was launched in America in 2007 when more than 700 independent stores held special sales of limited edition and special issue albums and singles.

The aim was to highlight the singular role and culture of record shops at a time when many were going out of business as a result of on-line sales.

They specifically focused on the vinyl record format, which was also in danger of vanishing in the face of CDs and downloads.

Britain and other countries followed and now Red House Records is keen to offer vinyl fans some exclusive, one-off releases over Easter.

They are combining the sale of vinyl with live music, showcasing several local bands.

Paul, 51 said: “This is the one occasion that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music.

“Special releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists across the globe make special appearances and performances.”

Paul launched Red House Records last year, choosing the name in honour of an old haunt.

He said: “It’s a tip of the hat to Red Carpet Records which used to be in Havelock Street. It was my favourite shop. I must have spent a fortune there.”

He went on: “With the prominence of the download culture, some might wonder why there is still a demand for vinyl records. It is bulky, fragile and costs more to buy.

“However, taking a new record from its sleeve and watching as the disc spins and the arm lowers, it becomes much more of an occasion to select and play music this way.

“Plus if you have a reasonable turntable, it sounds much fuller and warmer.

“There is also something special seeing the full size artwork and photography with gatefold sleeves and special edition packaging.”

Paul said that after initially opening with a fairly modest selection of vinyl the store now carried “the largest selection of new vinyl in the area.” He added: “We have brand new releases from the world’s biggest artists along with records from great new bands plus classic reissues of iconic albums.”

Details of opening hours and what bands will be performing when are available at: www.redhouserecords.wordpress.com.