Slow Century Records teams up with local businesses for a day of live music, DJ sets and exclusive releases

Slow Century Records in Knowle is taking part in Record Store Day tomnorrow (Saturday).

The shop, which opened in November 2025, is part of the annual UK and Ireland celebration – taking place since 2008 – of independent record shops and the culture surrounding them. 

As well as stocking exclusive official RSD releases from artists including The Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd and Taylor Swift, the shop has teamed up with neighbouring independent businesses to present live performances and DJ sets throughout the day.

A high street celebration

Knowle High Street venues The Ale Rooms, Bistro Viola, Cristal Boutique, Monica’s Bakes, Swanyard Cafe and The Vaults are joining Slow Century Records in celebrating the power of music to create and nurture community. 

Alaistair Aktas, Marc Cijfer, Guitar George Wilson, Shed Men Walking, Stuart Lennon, Liz Stein, Sweetpool and Tracer are among those confirmed to perform solo, full band or DJ sets across the historic village centre, with The Ale Rooms playing vinyl all day. 

Local artist GrumpleStiltStine will also create a brand new Slow Century window installation over the course of the day.

John Ellis, owner of Slow Century Records, said: “Working with the local businesses and our own team to create a big experience for the high street that everyone can enjoy has been lots of fun. 

“Our shop is a little under six months old and this is a massive achievement for us.”

Named after a documentary on influential US rock band Pavement, Slow Century Records was founded by Pavement fan, rock DJ and mental health nurse John Ellis, who spent more than 20 years as a Registered Mental Health Nurse across the West Midlands before building a reputation as a DJ, festival booker and broadcaster known as Atom Heart Mutha.

Record Store Day at Slow Century, Knowle, begins at 9am on Saturday April 18.