Slide Record Shop

9 The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS

01234 261603

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INSTORES AVAILABLE

UPCOMING RECORD STORE DAY EVENT

Slide Record Shop - Roll Your Own Records DJ Set

Slide Record Shop

GIVE US THE BACKGROUND - WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN A RECORD SHOP?

A champion of new music, Slide Record Shop was established in 2017, by Warren Alsop, a long-time music lover, vinyl addict, and occasional DJ and his wife Nerys Bannister, fellow music lover and new music obsessive.
Slide serves the music lovers in Bedford and surrounding area, stocking a diverse and exciting range of new music, classic albums as well music related books. We also host events throughout the year including Record Store Day, National Album Day, in-store performances, DJ sets and artist signings.
We feel proud of what we have created: a welcoming space to feed your passion for music and discover great records.

Slide Records has an in-store capacity of 30 and an outstore capacity of 300 in collaboration with Bedford Esquires.

Give us the background - when and why did you decide to open a record shop?

When we met, my partner Warren was a huge record collector and DJ-ed in his sparetime. It was a very late night / early morning in Hackney, 2014. Warren pitched that he was done with the 9-5 and wanted to open a record shop. He was inspired by all the record shops he loved around the world. This sounded like a lot of fun so I signed up!

After some planning, travel and a baby, Slide opened its’ doors in September 2017. It was initially run by Warren and I, with Wes joining the team in 2023.

Tell us a bit about your shop. What’s the vibe?

We’re a community record shop that celebrates new music, and aims to have something for everyone - even if you just want to come in for a browse and a chat!

We’re in the town centre in a beautiful Victorian Arcade. We feel really proud of what we have created, a place to feed your passion for music, make new discoveries and find your people.

What is the history behind your record shop name?

It is a bit of a twisty story!

Warren was coming up with a name to DJ with and was kicking some ideas around with friends. My surname is Bannister and someone jokingly suggested Sliding Down The Banister, which kind of summed up quitting the dayjob to do music.

When we lived in the Middle East, Warren DJ-ed as Sliding Down The Banister. Then, when it came to opening the shop he went with Slide. It’s all about taking risks, having fun and making the most of life!

Can you remember the first record you sold in your shop?

Our first few days was a bit of a blur! But there was a lot of The National, Jane Weaver, Cigarettes After Sex, Mogwai and J Dilla.

Tell us about your favourite record shop memory

We threw a huge party for our 5th birthday and were so touched by the number of people who came.

We had cards from our younger customers telling us how important it was that there was a record shop in town. And we had both younger and older customers sharing tips for record shopping. It reminded us that record shops are about community, sharing passions and finding connection.

How successful has Record Store Day been for your store?

Record Store Day is always a fun and incredibly busy day!

Just seeing so many people, the excitement and anticipation, gives it such a great energy. We run on adrenaline and good vibes all day. We put on a party with DJ’s, artists and musicians that is always the highlight of our year. It makes all the business and stress worth it!

What's the best gig you've ever been to?

Nerys: Smashing Pumpkins – Wembley Arena 1996

Warren: Beastie Boys – Wembley Arena 2004

Wes: They Hate Change/ Billy Woods/ Injury Reserve – Peckham Audio 202