Needle & Fern celebrates opening this weekend

Ilkley’s newest independent record shop, Needle & Fern, has hosted a special launch event ahead of opening its doors to the public this Saturday at 10am.

The shop on Railway Road welcomed invited guests on Wednesday evening for an exclusive first look inside, giving them the opportunity to explore the new space and meet owners Gordon and Caroline Knight, who live in Ilkley.

Sharing their excitement about the new venture, Gordon and Caroline said: “Music and vinyl have always been a huge passion for both of us, and we’ve dreamed of opening our own record shop for years. To finally be doing it here in Ilkley, the town we call home, makes it even more special.

"We wanted to create the kind of shop we’d love to lose ourselves in, browsing through records, discovering new music and finding those unexpected gems. Somewhere that feels welcoming whether you’ve been collecting vinyl for decades, are just getting started or simply fancy popping in for a look around.

"We’ve put so much love into Needle & Fern and can’t wait to finally share it with everyone. We really hope Ilkley loves it as much as we do!”

Needle & Fern aims to offer more than just a place to buy records. A dedicated listening corner will allow customers to try out vinyl in store, explore new sounds and discover their next favourite album.

Alongside a selection of new and preloved vinyl, the shop will stock books and music memorabilia. Gordon and Caroline also plan to host a range of events, including taking part in the national Record Store Day Black Friday event on Friday 27 November.

With a passion for music at its heart, Needle & Fern hopes to become a welcoming destination for seasoned collectors, new vinyl enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys discovering something different.

For further information, follow Needle & Fern on Facebook and Instagram, or visit needleandfern.co.uk to join the mailing list.