Crate Digging in April: this month's record fairs in Leeds, including Kirkgate Market
Spring is in the air, so spring cleaning is on the cards - that means more room for your budding vinyl collection then, right?
While we’ve already highlighted the massive milestone of Norman Records hitting their 30th anniversary, the hunt for physical music continues across the city this month.
Though digital streaming offers convenience, it can’t compete with the tactile ‘thwack’ of flipping through a crate or the satisfaction of finally tracking down a sleeve you’ve hunted for years.
Plus, is it more impressive to show people your music collection across bookshelves or vinyl crates, or a list of streams you’ve playlist instead?
We’ll let you decide amongst yourselves...
As we celebrate the enduring legacy of our local independent shops, the city’s vibrant record fair scene continues to provide the perfect Saturday morning ritual for those who prefer their music on 12 inches of wax.
Whether you are a ‘completionist’ looking for that final elusive B-side or a casual listener looking for a £5 classic to spin on a Sunday morning, here is where you need to be this April.
The Big One: Leeds Record Fair at Kirkgate Market (April 11)
Location: Kirkgate Market, New York Street, Leeds LS2 7HY.
The monthly staple returns to the iconic Kirkgate Indoor Market this Saturday, and there is always something special about the atmosphere of a fair held within these historic walls; the smell of fresh produce and coffee mixing with the scent of vintage paper sleeves.
With dozens of dealers travelling from across the North, the variety on offer is staggering. You can expect to find everything from pristine Jazz imports and heavy-duty Dub to the latest 1990s Britpop reissues.
It’s a community event as much as a shopping trip—a place to swap stories with fellow collectors and get expert tips from dealers who have seen it all.
- Timings: 10am - 4pm
What other record fairs are taking place in April?
The big record fair at Kirkgate Market isn’t your only option this month - we’ve looked at Record Fairs to unearth the other crate-digging events taking place up until May 8.
Scarborough Record Fair (April 12)
- Location: Scarborough Market Hall, St Helen's Square, YO11 1EU
If you fancy a Sunday drive to the coast, this market hall fair is a fantastic ‘add-on.’ It’s a great way to combine a bit of sea air with some serious crate digging - and perhaps some hidden gems from the Yorkshire Coast.
- Timings: 10am - 4pm
Wakefield Record Fair (April 18)
- Location: The Ridings Shopping Centre, Almshouse Lane, WF1 1DS
A massive spread of vinyl and CDs right in the heart of Wakefield. Perfect for those who want to avoid the city centre bustle of Leeds but still want a serious selection.
- Timings: 9am - 4pm
Wetherby Record Fair (April 25)
- Location: The Mews Bar & Restaurant, 16 Bank Street, LS22 6NQ
A more relaxed "Pop-Up" style fair. Great for a Saturday afternoon browse with a drink in hand.
- Timings: 12pm - 4pm
Leeds Corn Exchange Weekender (April 25 and 26)
- Location: The Corn Exchange, Call Lane, LS1 7BR
For those who might miss out on the Kirkgate Market fair, The Corn Exchange is offering a two-day takeover, and because of the length of the fair, a good chance the crates will get refreshed on Sunday morning, giving you a second chance at the good stuff.
- Timings: 10am - 4pm