‘WE have cherished our time on Queen Street’ says a Newton Abbot record shop ahead of its move to new premises within the town.

Phoenix Sounds, one of Devon’s leading, independent record shops, has today, Monday, March 3, announced that will be leaving Queen Street.

The shop says the decision is not linked the controversial scheme to enhance the road, rather it is a result of ‘rising costs’ which ‘forced us to look for alternative premises to ensure the survival of Phoenix Sounds’.

‘We have cherished our time on Queen Street, but this next chapter presents an exciting opportunity to keep bringing you great music, brilliant finds, and the same passionate service - just in a new spot’ Phoenix Sounds' Marsha and Roger Cox said.

Phoenix Sounds, whose current lease ends on June 14, will reopen in new premises in East Street, a stones throw from St Leonards clock tower, on Monday, June 23.

Phoenix Sounds' Marsha and Roger Cox said: ‘Over the past three years, we have dedicated ourselves to improving Phoenix Sounds with live in-store music sessions featuring our amazing local bands, a vibrant rebrand, and involving the local community through partnerships with events like Abbfest and venues such as The Jolly Farmer.

‘We have also proudly supported local charities like No Limits, who provide the delicious bacon rolls for the annual Record Store Day.

‘Launching a new website and hosting our renowned Record Store Day events each April have been key achievements for us.

‘However, rising costs delivered in the Autumn budget have forced us to look for alternative premises to ensure the survival of Phoenix Sounds.

‘To all who have supported us over these past three years—many of whom have become friends—we extend our heartfelt thanks.

‘We will continue to serve all your music needs at our new location.

‘We are extremely excited about the future, eager to continue serving our loyal customers in a new setting, while staying in the centre of Newton Abbot.

‘This move not only secures the future of an independent music shop in our town but also ensures future generations can enjoy the pleasure of browsing racks and talking everything music.

‘Let's keep the music playing!’

Launched in 2007, this year’s Record Store Day takes place on Saturday, April 12.

A global celebration of independent record shops and vinyl culture, the event has been celebrated by Phoenix Sounds since its inception.

And since taking over the shop in 2022, Marsha and Roger kept the tradition alive, making Record Store Day the highlight of the shop’s year.

Opening at 8am to a queue of eager record-lovers, many of whom will have been waiting outside since the early hours of the morning, the shop makes the day with live music, complimentary bacon and vegan bacon rolls, tea, coffee, Danish pastries and, of course, an exorbitant amount of excitement and enthusiasm.