Record Store Day UK has unveiled Olivia Dean as the official UK ambassador for 2026.
Dean has been awarded the role as a champion for the culture of independent record shops and the vital role they play within their local communities.
She follows past ambassadors including Sam Fender, Kate Bush, Taylor Swift, The 1975, Noel Gallagher and Elton John.
Olivia Dean said: “It’s such an honour to be the Record Store Day Ambassador for 2026. Independent record stores are such special spaces to discover and share music – to actually touch it and feel it. I’ve found so much inspiration in the records I’ve collected over the years and am so grateful for all the hidden gems I’ve found. I want to thank the record stores around the world for all the support you’ve given me over the years. It’s so important we continue to support them and keep them alive!”
As part of the RSD celebrations, the Grammy-winning UK star will release Live At The BBC, featuring live renditions of tracks by Carole King and Boygenius. Recorded for the BBC, the release will be available as a limited edition black seven-inch vinyl, exclusively from participating independent record stores on Saturday, April 18.
I want to thank the record stores around the world for all the support you’ve given me over the years
Olivia Dean
According to Official Charts data, Olivia Dean was the sixth biggest vinyl album artist of 2025, with The Art of Loving selling 45,000 copies on the format. In 2026, the album is currently the UK’s biggest-selling vinyl album of the year, with more than 11,000 copies sold since January 1.
Around 300 UK independent record shops are set to take part in this year’s Record Store Day – the highest number in the event’s 19-year history.
Jane Unwin from Banquet Records said: “Olivia Dean being this year's ambassador is a quality endorsement of RSD and of record shops themselves. Supportive of indie shops for years, Olivia's a legit modern pop star – not only a massive live draw, but consistently selling loads of physical music week in, week out. There's a very clear understanding of what makes physical music special, whether it's The Art Of Loving on coloured vinyl, the RSD Black Friday split with Sam Fender, or this year's RSD seven-inch cover versions.”
Olivia Dean will perform tonight (February 26) as part of BRITs Week for War Child at Manchester’s Albert Hall, in support of Record Store Day’s official charity partner. Proceeds will go towards War Child's work supporting children affected by conflict, providing protection, specialist mental health support, education and advocacy.
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