National Album Day is an annual celebration of the album as an art form—encouraging people to listen to full records, discover new music, and recognise the album’s role as a space for artists to tell their stories. Launched in 2018, it takes place each year on the middle Saturday in October, with activity building in the week leading up to it.

Artists are at the heart of the campaign. Each year, Album Champions help bring it to life—spreading the word through press, social media and live events. Past champions include Alex Kapranos, Billy Bragg, Jake Bugg, Jazzie B, Joy Crookes, KSI, Kylie, Laura Mvula, Lewis Capaldi, Sharleen Spiteri and Shola Ama.

Each edition also has its own theme, which shapes activity across the campaign. Previous themes have included ‘The Eighties’, ‘Debut Albums’, ‘Groups’, and ‘Albums by Women’. For 2025, taking place on 18 October, the focus is ‘Rock’.

Around the day itself, there’s activity across the whole music ecosystem. Labels often release or reissue albums tied to the theme (sometimes marking anniversaries), while retailers and platforms spotlight them with in-store displays and online features. Fans can also get involved through signings, Q&As and listening events held at retailers including Rough Trade and HMV, as well as via platforms such as Classic Album Sundays and Pitchblack Playback.

A coordinated press and PR campaign helps drive awareness, alongside support from BBC Radio 2, the official broadcast partner. On the day, Radio 2 typically gets fully behind the event, often featuring a themed chart countdown in partnership with the Official Charts Company.

National Album Day is a joint project from the BPI and ERA, supported by record labels, record shops, streaming platforms and the wider music community.