The Sound of Watford 2024 returns for Record Store Day

The music festival will return to five venues across the town on Saturday, April 20 in honour of Record Store Day, which celebrates the independent vinyl shops across the UK.

The annual event is organised by The LP Cafe, with support from Watford Borough Council and the West Herts College, and will see bands playing from midday into the evening at The Pump House, The One Crown, the Stage at the Pond and the Watford Museum.

There will also be different DJs playing at the joint cafe and record store throughout the afternoon, including Paul Terris, who co-owns the shop with his partner Leila Simpson.

LP Cafe owners Leila Simpson and Paul Terris

Paul said there is a “total buzz” on the day as he urged people to come out and support the local acts playing.

“The music economy relies on people supporting bands that are starting out at a grassroots level, especially in this town,” the shop owner said.

We’re very excited to be headlining the festival where we played our very first show, almost six years ago to the day! It’ll also be our first time back in Watford for over two years, and we’ll be joined by @highregardpop and @Assimilate_UK. Come party at The Pumphouse. pic.twitter.com/2cPDY5QaVG

— Lakes (@ourbandlakes) April 10, 2024

“This is the sort of thing that can really get bands started. Not only is it going to be good fun, but coming to watch them is a great way to be part of their journey!”

Bands will be playing at various stages across the town. (Image: The LP Cafe)

He added that Watford rock band Lakes will be headlining at The Pump House after they played their very first show at The White Lion pub six years ago as part of Record Store Day.

Watford band Lakes will be headlining tomorrow after they played their first show at the town's Record Store Day six years ago. (Image: The LP Cafe)

The LP Cafe will open at 8am on Saturday with free coffee for the first 50 people in the queue, and previous years have seen customers waiting outside from 2am to get their hands on exclusive records. Paul joked: "hopefully it's not too cold tonight!"

Inside The LP Cafe ahead of The Sound of Watford 2024. (Image: The LP Cafe)

Although the shop receives a "huge amount of business" on the day, the shop owner said: "For us, it's just an opportunity to really put on the map what we do. 

"When you look at all the artists that are playing, you realise how integral a record shop is to the music community locally."

He thanked the borough council and West Herts college for their help organising the event, adding: "We couldn't do it without them. They do such a great job of getting involved, putting all the stages and sound together for all of the acts."