This Saturday marks Record Store Day, the one day of the year when independent record shops across Ireland come together to celebrate their characteristic culture.

This year’s set of exclusive vinyl releases includes new music from iconic Irish artists like U2, as well as special records from hard rock mainstays Thin Lizzy and up-and-comer Dermot Kennedy. These unique records are produced solely for Record Store Day and have made this annual occasion a highly anticipated event for music lovers of all persuasions.

In the day’s twelve-year history, there have never been a greater number of stores scheduled to participate. As the resurgence of vinyl culture continues to soar, Record Store Day gains ground as a celebration of musical artistry – every continent save for Antarctica hosts partaking stores, spotlighting independent record shops worldwide. On 13 April, shops all over Ireland are slated to host free in-store performances, mini-festivals and DJ-offs.

A list of participating record stores in Ireland can be found here. Likewise, the Irish website for Record Store Day can be found here.

Universal Music’s releases will include:

Dermot Kennedy - For Island Fires and Family/Lost (12”)

U2 – U2: The Europa EP (3 Track EP)

Thin Lizzy – Black Rose (2LP)

Bingo Hand Job (aka R.E.M.) – Live At The Borderline 1991 (2LP)

Iggy Pop – The Villagers/Pain & Suffering (7”)

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody OST (2LP Picture Disc)

Robyn – Body Talk (2LP Coloured Vinyl)

Sam Fender – Play God (7”)

The Police – Message In A Bottle (2 x 7”)

The Rolling Stones – She’s A Rainbow (Live) (10” Coloured Vinyl)

…and many more.