Drop 1 of Record Store Day 2021 takes place this Saturday, June 12 – with a dazzling selection of reissues, picture discs, new releases and more awaiting vinyl fans. In the run-up to the big day, we'll be getting into the spirit of the occasion with a special week of content on hotpress.com...

Since the first ever Record Store Day in 2008, this special celebration of the wonderful world of record stores has become one of the biggest events on the music calendar – with thousands of shops taking part around the globe. Special vinyl releases are available exclusively for the day, as the event shines a light on the unique culture of record shops, made possible by the passion and enthusiasm of staff, customers and artists. With more and more young people getting involved in record collecting every year, Record Store Day has been credited as one of the major factors behind the ongoing vinyl revival.

“Record shops were really important when I was growing up," says Noel Gallagher, this year's Record Store Day UK Ambassador. "It’s something that’s in my DNA. I think if we can keep record shops open for as long as possible, we owe it to the young people of this country. For this year’s Record Store Day I’ll be getting involved. I’ve got something unique coming out. Hopefully the fans will like it and they’ll keep the flame burning for your local record shop.”

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 2021's Record Store Day is being split into two separate 'Drops'. Following Drop 1 on Saturday, Drop 2 is set to take place on July 17.

On hotpress.com this week, we'll be counting down the days until Drop 1 with a special series – featuring interviews with record stores, guides to the must-have releases and the Irish highlights, iconic articles from the Hot Press archives featuring some of the Drop 1 artists, and more.

To celebrate Record Store Day, we're also running a fantastic competition on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) – with a spectacular Pro-Ject Audio T1 BT turntable from Henley Audio, worth €399, up for grabs. Plus – we're also throwing in a €100 voucher from Golden Discs, to spend on new albums for your record player!

To enter, simply head over to the competition post on our Instagram, tag a friend in the comments, and share the post on your story. And don't forget to give us a follow while you're there!

Keep an eye on hotpress.com for more special Record Store Day content this week...