LARGE queues are expected to form outside Farnham’s iconic bright yellow music store 101 Collectors Records in West Street overnight tomorrow, in anticipation of Record Store Day 2019.

Run by die-hard West Ham United fan Andy Hibberd, the sole owner of the business since 2002, 101 Collectors Records is an independent in the true sense of the word, specialising in the selling and buying of music DVDs, CDs and vinyl.

The shop sells a diverse range of second-hand records, from 1940s Swingbilly to Led Zeppelin, as well as the most up-to-date music.

Speaking to UCA journalism student Adam Jones for the Herald, Andy explained what it was like to run such a quirky shop in a competitive high street: “You try to be friendly with customers so they make a conscious decision to support you and your business rather than go anywhere else.”

To gain a connection with his customers, Andy has reached out to social media. He has built up a Twitter following of more than 2,000 people via his handle @101andyhibberd

Record Store Day, which his supported by BBC Music and recognised across the world, is designed to celebrate record stores that are independently owned.

On Saturday, the shop on West Street will open at the much earlier time of 8am rather than the usual time of 10am, as part of this day – with exclusive vinyl releases up for grabs from the likes of John Lennon, Queen, David Bowie and Madonna.

More than 200 independent stores across the UK have come together to celebrate their unique culture, and enjoy what has become one of the biggest annual events on the music calendar.

101 Collectors Records is now one of the longest-running independent stores in Farnham’s town centre – and as Andy himself says, the identity of small towns rely on independent stores to give them an edge that attracts customers.

“You need to get independent, quirky, different shops and then people will come,” Andy continued. “You have to do something different.”

Andy acknowledges this is especially important in light of the upcoming regeneration of the East Street area of Farnham town centre.

The Brightwells Regeneration Scheme has been set up by Waverley Borough Council and building company Crest Nicholson to rejuvenate Farnham Town Centre.

The scheme is also there to provide people with a “hub for leisure and evening entertainment” – including a new six-screen cinema.

This redevelopment has been long awaited..

However, the redevelopment of towns like Farnham can alienate small independent businesses like 101 Collectors’ Records.

This is a further reason to protect these small businesses when the project is complete in 2022.

So, in the words of Andy: “Support the indies!”

101 Collectors Records is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm.

* Record Store Day 2019 will take place on Saturday, April 13. 101’s doors will open at 8am, and the first 24 customers in the queue will receive a complementary Fred Perry record tote bag, as well as a free bottle of Thurstons Horsell Gold golden ale.