RSD 2019 @ Castle Road

Record Store Day, the annual celebration of vinyl and the shops that sell it, takes place this year on Saturday 13th April. On that day, all across the globe, eager vinylphiles will form queues outside their favourite record shop, with those present crossing their fingers that they'll be able to procure that yearned for item from amongst the large array of shiny delights on offer this year.

Southsea's famed Pie & Vinyl has, since it first took part in Record Store Day, seen an ever growing number of punters pitching up outside its doors, all keen to get their mitts on that special pressing. Some get there early, some mosey along in the afternoon and a hardy few wait overnight to ensure they don't miss out.

For the past few years Castle Road, where P&V proudly sits, has joined in with the RSD celebrations by closing itself to traffic and hosting an array of local traders, artisan comestibles and live music. This year marks the fifth such takeover and, though no artists have yet been announced, whoever plays will be joining such alumni as Emily Barker, Jerry Williams, Blenaevon, Plastic Mermaids, Smoke Fairies and IDLES (no, really).

Even if vinyl isn't your thing (I know, but there are some folk who prefer CDs or, yes, even cassettes) it's well worth a visit to enjoy the ambience of a Southsea street showing its best garb, procure a gourmet cheese toastie or even replenish your supply of hot sauce (and best of all it's completely FREE to attend, which is nice).