It's fair to say Manchester has never needed an excuse to throw a big all-day music party.
This weekend, however, there is an extra special reason for the mass outbreak of musical activity in the city's Northern Quarter - the arrival of Record Store Day 2019.
For those unfamiliar with the event, the lists of releases and queues around the block (honestly - people will queue for hours on Saturday) can be a little overwhelming.
Keep reading for a brief guide to Record Store Day and prepare to get stuck in.
What actually is Record Store Day?
First launched back in 2007 - as a way to get people back into record shops after downloads sapped the desire for physical media - Record Store Day has since grown into one of the most anticipated days on the music calendar.
Bringing together vinyl junkies, artists, record labels and the shops themselves, the day provides a yearly opportunity to get your hands on some hugely sought-after limited edition vinyl releases.
Many long-time collectors will be scrambling to pick up classic albums that haven't been available for decades, or that were never pressed on vinyl in the first place before now.
Exclusive records released on the day this year will include vinyls from David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, 808 State, Prince, Iggy Pop and Madonna.
This year, The Might Boosh's Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt will be acting as ambassadors, following in the footsteps of Sir Elton John, St Vincent and Pearl Jam.
How will I know what's available?
Trust us - you do not want to spend four hours in a queue for a record only to find that shop never had it in the first place.
Most record stores will fling open their doors from 8am, with most listing their full stock list on social media and websites in advance.
You can see the full list of releases for 2019 here.
What's happening in Manchester?
Manchester, of course, being the music-mad city that we are, always pushes the boat out when it comes to Record Store Day events. Alongside some tantalising releases from Manc music alumni (Courteeners, The Charlatans and Blossoms), local record shops and venues will be hosting some excellent live music events.
As you'd expect, Manchester's finest music emporium, Piccadilly Records, plays a central role in the day's action with DJ sets from Jane Weaver, The Orielles and Tim Burgess, plus a live performance from A Guy Called Gerald.
Piccadilly Records also has a track record for triggering the longest queues, with more than 300 of the best releases in stock - expect to see the pavements packed all the way round to Church Street and Tib Street from dawn. Last year, the queue started forming at 8am on Friday... 24 hours before the doors opened.
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Just around the corner, at dance music mecca Eastern Bloc Records, there's an epic 18-hour party with DJs spinning vinyl from 9am to 3am. The event's in partnership with Reform Radio and Jagermeister, and there'll be cocktails and food available all day.
Vinyl Exchange are keeping their cards close to their chest until Friday night, although you can predict there'll be queues around the block as usual. They'll announce their full stock list on their social media channels.
Dirty Laces are due to perform live at Vinyl Revival on Hilton Street, and the shop has already listed all of the vinyls it'll be selling so you can plan ahead.
There's a new kid on the block too, opening its doors for the first time on Record Store Day itself (no pressure). Wilderness Record Store, from people behind Crazy Pedro's, Junkyard Golf and Cottonopolis, will have tote bags and drinks with every vinyl purchase, with an afterparty running until 1am at nearby Solomans Cafe Bar.
The fun spins beyond record stores themselves, too. Bay Horse Tavern, the pub on Thomas Street, have curated a playlist of songs from the top 100 albums of all time, with DJ Pasta Paul playing a strictly vinyl set from 8pm.
Common has lined up an outstanding selection of Mancunian talent with live music from Aldous RH, Currentmoodgirl and Fruit Tones, followed by Space Afrika and WH Lung taking to the decks, while sushi, cocktails, and an vinyl-only soundtrack until 2am will be going on at Cottonopolis.
Meanwhile, Manchester's newest bar and events space, Yerrr (located just a stone's throw from Piccadilly Station) is hosting an all-day music marathon with performances from Moses, The C33s, Dave's Rockin' Train, Blaney and Bianca Alana.
Big Hands, down on Oxford Road, will be hosting an all-day gig until the early hours with Sour Grapes Records, spilling out onto the roof terrace with sales of vinyl and cassettes.
Record Store Day is this Saturday, April 13. Stuck in a big queue? Spotted a surprised celebrity appearance? Tag us in your photos on Twitter @citylifemanc and we'll share live updates.
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