MUSIC lovers came out in force in Worcestershire to celebrate the annual Record Store Day event.

Some hardcore aficionados even started queuing up outside Rise in Crowngate shopping centre at 3.30am on Saturday morning, to make sure they had first pick of the records they wanted.

There were limited edition vinyls on sale and a selection of live performances.

In the afternoon, the store set up two 'stages' of live music - one inside the shop and one in the shopping centre itself.

Store manager Tom George said the day had been a success, and was likely to be one of the record shop's busiest of the year.

They put on extra staff to help deal with the additional demand and organise the live music.

Mr George said: "Record Store Day seems to be getting bigger and bigger, and it's been bigger for us than last year which is nice.

"Some people started queuing from 3.30am, as they were here for The 1975 EPs, which was was one of our top sellers.

"It's been good as people have hung around all day and we've had people playing inside the shop and outside as well."

He added: "This year we just tried to expand the whole day.

"It's gone well so I think we'll keep it at the same sort of level next year.

"For us it's probably the biggest day of the year."

Performances were put on by Skinny Lister, Youth Man, Broken Oak Duet, Vault of Eagles, Andy Oliveri, Bad News, Champion and Portia.

Coffee Dough provided a waitressing service so people could get drinks and pastries while listening to the bands, and surrounding shops also offered discounts.

Mr George picked out Andy Oliveri - "a Record Store Day regular" - and Champion as his two top performers.

Carnival Records in Malvern also got in on the act on Saturday, offering half-price records all day and live music and vinyl DJs throughout the day.

The store hailed its customers "for making it such a fantastic day".