Record fairs in Leeds: The unmissable record fairs for crate diggers - and hotspots in the city

There is something uniquely homely about attending record fairs in the colder months; a mixture of stubborn traditionalism, sharp-eyed bargaining, and the communal warmth of a crowded market hall on a freezing February morning.

While legendary stalwarts like Jumbo Records and Crash have served as the region's musical heartbeat since the 1970s and 80s, the true soul of the scene is found in the "vinyl triangle" and the travelling fairs that turn Victorian landmarks into temporary cathedrals of black wax.

As we settle into the winter months and into the first light of spring 2026, the West Yorkshire circuit is busier than ever.

Whether you are hunting for original 70s prog-rock, elusive Northern Soul 45s, or a bargain-bin indie gem, this guide tracks every essential date and permanent outpost you need to keep your turntable spinning until summer - along with some permanent fixtures any crate digger coming into Leeds must check out at some point during a day of vinyl hunting.

Records fairs in and around Leeds - winter and spring 2025/2026

December

• December 20: The Ridings Shopping Centre, Almshouse Lane, Wakefield (9am – 4pm)
• December 27: The Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds (10am – 4pm)
• December 28: The Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds (10am – 4pm)

January

• January 10: Kirkgate Indoor Market, New York Street, Leeds (10am – 4pm)

February

• February 14: Kirkgate Indoor Market, New York Street, Leeds (10am – 4pm)
• February 21: The Ridings Shopping Centre, Almshouse Lane, Wakefield (9am – 4pm)

March

• March 14: Kirkgate Indoor Market, New York Street, Leeds (10am – 4pm)
• March 21: Caroline Club, Caroline Street, Saltaire (10am – 4pm)

April

• April 11: Kirkgate Indoor Market, New York Street, Leeds (10am – 4pm)
• April 18: The Ridings Shopping Centre, Almshouse Lane, Wakefield (9am – 4pm)

May

• May 9: Kirkgate Indoor Market, New York Street, Leeds (10am – 4pm)

What stores should I check out in Leeds for crate digging?

So you’ve come to Leeds and checked out the record fairs on offer - but still looking for something to finish up that day’s worth of crate digging?

Why not check out some of the record stores that reside permanently in Leeds instead, such as our following recommendations:

Relics Records (53 New Briggate)

The gold standard for second-hand digging in Leeds. Established in 1991, they have two floors absolutely packed with vintage vinyl, covering everything from classic rock and psych to jazz, soul, and blues.

• Best for: Original pressings, rare collectibles, and a massive back-catalogue.
• Hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Sunday)

Noiseisforheroes (75A Great George Street)

Located near the LGI, this shop is almost entirely second-hand and incredibly well-curated. They are particularly strong on punk, indie, and alternative music, but you’ll find quality across all genres.

• Best for: Competitive pricing and a friendly, knowledgeable vibe.
• Hours: Tue–Sat: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed Sun/Mon).

Jumbo Records (1-3 Merrion Centre)

Completely unpretentious and incredibly welcoming. Unlike some high-end boutiques, Jumbo is "fierce about inclusivity." It’s a hub where local bands can sell their home-pressed 7-inches and legends like Johnny Marr or Wolf Alice drop in for intimate in-store gigs.

• Best For: Everything. They are famous for their deep soul and reggae roots, but they carry an exhaustive range of indie, jazz, psych, and country. They are also one of the best places in the city to buy tickets for local gigs.
• Hours: * Mon–Thu: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM/ Fri–Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM/ Sun: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tribe Records (28 Kirkgate)

If your "dig" involves electronic music, Tribe is the local authority. They specialise in house, techno, reggae, dancehall, and disco, stocking both new releases and influential reissues.

• Best for: Club culture, DJs, and electronic pioneers.
• Hours: Mon–Thu: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM/Fri: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM/Sat: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM/Sun: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

Wall of Sound (Basement of Crash Records, 35 The Headrow)

Tucked away in the basement of Crash, this is a separate business and a true "digger’s paradise." It’s an independent one-man operation focused on hand-picked second-hand stock, obscure soundtracks, and memorabilia.

• Best for: Finding that one weird, fascinating record you didn't know you needed.
• Hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM/Sun: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Released Records (Leeds Corn Exchange)

Situated on the first floor of the Corn Exchange, this shop doubles as a label and a "vinyl lounge." It’s a great spot to hang out and find expertly curated electronic, soul, and beats

• Best for: Modern beats, local label releases, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM/Sun: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

VinylFixx (246 Tong Road, Armley)

Run by Ian Brookes, this is a dedicated second-hand shop that collectors across the North hold in high regard. It’s often described as an "Aladdin’s Cave"—it’s packed floor-to-ceiling with LPs, 45s, and music memorabilia.

• Best For: Rare finds across punk, metal, reggae, and classic rock
• Hours: Mon–Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM/ Fri: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM/ Sat: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Looking for some regular, run-of-the-mill Christmas shopping over the festive season? Check out the opening times for Trinity Leeds, including Boxing Day times this year.