At a time when closing down sales are becoming a horribly familiar sight on our high streets, Brighton’s independent record stores are urging shoppers to support what they still have, in a series of events to mark International Record Shop Day.

A scheme that has come over from across the Atlantic, the event was launched two years ago and unites independent music shops across the globe in celebrating the unique place they occupy both nationally and in their communities.

One of the criteria for businesses taking part is that their ownership must be located at least 70% in the place where the shop is based, ruling out any faceless chains.

“It’s about reminding people of the good, old-fashioned record shop, driving people back into them and pointing out that amid all the negative press about shops closing all the time, there are some still fighting and surviving out there,” explains Natasha Youngs, of Resident, in Kensington Gardens.

“In America they are very good at supporting their independent record shops, but we’re not so great at it here, which is why it’s so important to remind people what they have got with events like this.”

For customers, it offers the opportunity to pick up some exclusive offers, as well as catching in-store gigs by some of their favourite bands.

Resident, which also celebrates its fifth birthday on Monday, is putting on a week of events and special offers for its loyal customers, from exclusive, limited run albums to intimate instore appearances from the likes of Fujiya & Miyagi, The Go! Team and Emiliana Torrini.

Music lovers signed up to Resident’s mailing list will get full details of the special programme of gigs, as well as information about the various label samplers, goodie bags and posters on offer in the shop during the event.

At Rounder, respected dubstep producer Caspa will be performing in store at 5pm tomorrow, with Derek Meins and a host of other music names popping in during the day too. The shop will also be stocking special exclusive offers, including a Tom Waits limited edition.

Author Nick Hornby, one of several high-profile people supporting the event, describes the importance of the day thus: “Yes, I know it’s easier to download music, and probably cheaper. But what’s playing on your favourite download store when you walk into it?

“Nothing, that’s what. Who are you going to meet in there? Nobody. Where are the notice boards offering flatshares and vacant slots in bands destined for superstardom? Who’s going to tell you to stop listening to that and start listening to this? Go ahead and save yourself a couple of quid.

“The saving will cost you a career, a set of cool friends, musical taste and, eventually, your soul. Record stores can’t save your life. But they can give you a better one.”

  • Times vary, free. For more information, sign up to the mailing list at www.resident-music.com or call Rounder Records on 01273 325440.