A number of independent record shops have leapt to the defence of Record Store Day following criticism that it is hurting small labels.

Hundreds of towns across the UK staged free live music events and after-parties for the occasion on Saturday to celebrate the culture of their local indie record shops and the vinyl revival.

RSD album sales saw a 27% rise year-on-year in week 16, with single sales also increasing 2% on 2014 figures.

Last month, Nathaniel Cramp, ...