IT'S that time of year again when music lovers flock to support their local independent record store, in a celebration of their unique culture.

Over 200 independent record shops across the UK come together, with the chance to sell the special vinyl releases which are made exclusive for the day.

Many shops go one step further and host a programme of events for the day, with artists putting on live performances, or DJs taking to the decks.

One such store is Fives Records in Leigh's Broadway, which has handed over the events organisation to the Middle Age Spread DJ crew, something which has now become tradition.

DJ and music writer Daryl Easlea, of the MAS gang, said: "When we first put on our activities six years ago, RSD was seen more as a novelty than the huge event it is in the calendar today. "We wanted to celebrate the illustrious past of vinyl by playing records on a genuine 60s Dansette with the best DJs and friends, and showcase some fabulous groups.

"We love Fives and it is exactly the sort of shop that needs to be treasured. To have a fun day celebrating, hanging out and importantly buying your favourites is a perfect combination.

"And this year of course, we're continuing the celebrations into the evening!"

Echo: The Middle Age Spread DJs will be running the programme of events at Fives

The Spread on 40-Fives event starts at 8am with the last act on at 4pm, with Daryl himself opening the proceedings, followed at 8:20am by Jules Easlea, (aka Mamma Mas) and more DJs and live acts going on in 20 minute rotations, including: Graham James Brown, Daniel Newman, DC Morgan, Stephen Hastings, Daryl Easlea, Dave Collins, Tim Larke, Grant Philpott, F\gurehead (live), Ian Pile, Turntable-Bitch, Bingo Cherry (live), Tuppenny Bunters, Palindromes (live), Syd Moore, Angel and the Melodyhorns, Mark Lancaster, Scarlett Taylor (live), Alastair Johnson, baVard (live), Urban Allstars, Daryl Easlea and Adam Hasan.

The MAS party will continue into the night, over at Chalkwell Hall in Chalkwell Park, Chalkwell Avenue, Westcliff. Visit the Middle Age Spread Facebook group for ticket information.

Meanwhile, in South record store in Queens Road, Southend, proprietor Richard Onslow will be giving away exclusive Fred Perry cotton tote bags for the "first bunch through the door".

He said: "We'll be taking lists from the first ten or so people in the queue before we open so they can have their records bagged up ready, and can get back to bed!

"This is our fifth RSD and is looking likely to be the best yet, with over 500 releases on the list this year (we're stocking 200 of the best)!

"The list this year is a real mixed bag, but I think is the strongest in years, there's something for everyone. I'm particularly keen on Bert Jansch's LA Turnaround, the God's Children reissue, Brian Eno and Kevin Shields' team-up, the Ulrika Spacek EP, Yung Wu and the Marajita reissue."

Echo: A queue of record lovers photographed on RSD ‘17, waiting for a chance to get their hands on exclusive buys at South record store, (main picture); the Middle Age Spread crew who’ll be hosting the celebrations at Five Records (bottom left) and James To

South will be open from 8am until 6pm, and will also be featuring DJs on rotation, including Tom Burgess (Dark Globes), Micky Denny, Gully B (Reprezent FM), Gregory Wells (Plug Life)

and the South DJs, with "more to be announced".

Just around the corner, new kid on the block, Two Twelve Tens, in Prince Street, is also getting involved in the celebrations.

Proprietor James Townsend, said: "As a dance music specialist, Record Store Day 2018 is a brilliant opportunity for us to celebrate dance music culture and the artistry which started it all - the skill of mixing records together on two turntables.

"We have local talent coming down throughout the day to perform live DJ sets selecting the best 'Wax from the Racks' and have big discounts on vinyl exclusively for RSD.

"We are also running competitions where we will be giving away some fantastic prizes. These include two free tickets to the next Sense Traxx event on Saturday April 28, when we will be taking our records from the shop in Princes Street, directly to the people and running a pop-up shop at Talk nightclub before the main event."