MORE than 200 people descended on Rare Trade Records to watch live performances, browse through unique vinyls, and enjoy tea and cake as the Kilwinning shop celebrated its first ever Record Store Day.

Customers were also treated to the opening of several ‘mystery boxes’ at the event, which was held in the Main Street store on Saturday, April 16 and was part of an international celebration of independent record shops.

Colin Boyd, owner of Rare Trade Records, told the Herald: “The day was unbelievable. It exceeded all our expectations.

“We didn’t know if it was going to be busy or not but it ended up there were over 200 people in and out of the shop throughout the day.

“The bands we had playing were outstanding. We had The Girobabies, Pinact, Jackal Trades, The Twistettes, Jamie Robert Ross and James Michael Rodgers.

“I couldn’t believe Pinact were here – they’ve just got back from touring in America. It will probably the last time bands like that will be playing a small venue like this.”

Local artist and musician Tragic O’Hara painted the record shop’s wall the night before the event to create a colourful backdrop for the live acts.

Punters enjoyed Danish pastries from The Kandy Bar while they watched the performances and sifted through old vinyls.

They were also treated to some ‘surprise boxes’ containing an array of weird and wonderful musical treasure.

Colin said: “We had a collection of 7,000 vinyl singles stored in seven boxes, which had never been opened before. We made it that everything in the box was £1, regardless of what it was.

“Someone got a David Bowie album worth £100, another person found a Nirvana record worth £30.

Don’t miss the store’s next event, Rare Trade: Acoustic Sessions, on Saturday, April 30 from 12-5pm. Tragic O’Hara, Saints, The Pale Kids, Mexican Food, Slopes, and Unknown are all lined up to perform. Entry is free.