Neil Hannon Returns with Rainy Sunday Afternoon
Divine Comedy Uk Tour 2025. Neil Hannon is back on UK stages in October 2025 with a 16-date tour. Celebrating the release of their upcoming thirteenth studio album, Rainy Sunday Afternoon. It marks their first full tour in six years. Which coincides with the band’s new record, set for release on 19 September. The dates see the cult chamber pop act visiting prestigious venues across the country—including two nights at London’s Barbican—blending new material with timeless fan favourites.
Six-Year Pause Ends with a Thoughtful New Chapter
The Divine Comedy has long stood apart in the UK’s alternative music landscape. Fronted by the ever-articulate Neil Hannon. The project has navigated the past three decades with wit, elegance. And an orchestrated flair that few of their contemporaries could match. From the romantic sweep of Promenade to the satirical commentary of Office Politics. Each album has added a new layer to Hannon’s distinctive sonic world.
This tour will be The Divine Comedy’s first since their 2019 release. After a period of writing and recording, Rainy Sunday Afternoon now signals a creative resurgence. Arriving at a moment when nostalgia and reflection seem more culturally relevant than ever. Early previews suggest an album rooted in domestic melancholy and poetic realism. A return to the softer introspection of Absent Friends and Foreverland.
Divine Comedy UK Tour Dates: October 2025
Running from 6 to 25 October. The tour features stops in Liverpool, Nottingham, Bath, Brighton, Glasgow, and Manchester, with a closing night in Bristol.
Tickets are available now via See Tickets, and many dates are expected to sell out quickly.
- 6 Oct – Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
- 7 Oct – Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
- 8 Oct – The Forum, Bath
- 10 Oct – The Glasshouse, Gateshead
- 11 Oct – Barbican, London
- 12 Oct – Barbican, London
- 13 Oct – Dome, Brighton
- 15 Oct – Corn Exchange, Cambridge
- 16 Oct – City Hall, Sheffield
- 17 Oct – The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
- 18 Oct – Swansea Arena, Swansea
- 20 Oct – Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
- 21 Oct – Barbican, York
- 23 Oct – New Theatre, Oxford
- 24 Oct – Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
- 25 Oct – Bristol Beacon, Bristol
These seated venues will lend themselves well to the band’s orchestral palette.
Offering an immersive listening experience for both long-time devotees and curious newcomers.
About the Album: Rainy Sunday Afternoon
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in late 2024, Rainy Sunday Afternoon is expected to showcase Hannon’s most vulnerable songwriting in years. The album draws on themes of routine, longing, and everyday emotional detail—wrapped in lush string arrangements and subtle electronics. Its title track, set to be the lead single, is rumoured to feature a quietly devastating piano motif and lyrical references to kitchen radios and empty parks.
Though full details are under wraps. Rainy Sunday Afternoon promises to continue The Divine Comedy’s tradition of literary pop, echoing the emotional weight of A Lady of a Certain Age and the melodic intelligence of Songs of Love. For many fans, this record may mark a career peak.
A Theatrical Yet Intimate Live Experience
The Divine Comedy’s concerts are known for their balance of elegance and charm. Combining sharp musical direction with Neil Hannon’s dry wit. Past tours have seen full string ensembles, minimalist piano sets, and cabaret-style storytelling. So expectations are high for the 2025 return.
Given the tour’s theatre-based venue selection. Fans can likely expect a semi-acoustic setting with a focus on vocal clarity and orchestration. While the final setlist is yet to be confirmed. Hits such as National Express, Tonight We Fly, The Certainty of Chance, and Your Daddy’s Car. These are likely to be performed alongside fresh material from Rainy Sunday Afternoon.
Divine Comedy UK Tour 2025 Exclusive Merchandise
To coincide with the album release and tour, The Divine Comedy have launched a series of exclusive merchandise bundles available.
These limited edition packages include signed artwork and collectible formats.
- Rainy Sunday Afternoon CD + Coloured Vinyl + Cassette + T-Shirt (signed artwork print) – Buy here
- Rainy Sunday Afternoon Deluxe 2CD + T-Shirt (signed artwork print) – Buy here
Both bundles are available now for pre-order, with shipping expected ahead of the album release.
Booking Information and Pre-Sale Access
Tickets for the full UK tour are on sale now via See Tickets. Fans are advised to act quickly.
Venues such as London Barbican and Bridgewater Hall tend to sell out fast for this type of theatrical production.
You can also sign up for official updates and artist pre-sales via The Divine Comedy’s official site.
Where you’ll find full tour information, album formats, and ongoing news.
Travel and Accommodation
With venues spread across major UK cities, getting to a Divine Comedy show this October should be convenient whether you’re travelling by train, coach, or car. Most locations—including London, Manchester, and Glasgow—are well connected by public transport. And many venues are just a short walk from mainline rail stations. Booking tickets in advance through services like National Rail or Trainline can help secure better fares and ensure timely arrival.
If you’re not heading home after the gig, accommodation options are plentiful. Fans can book city centre hotels through Laterooms.com. Which offers flexible rates across a range of properties—from budget stays to boutique hotels. Booking early is recommended, especially for weekend dates like London, Brighton, and Manchester.
Final Thoughts
The Divine Comedy’s 2025 return feels like more than just a tour. With Rainy Sunday Afternoon.
Neil Hannon appears ready to share a more reflective, personal side of his songwriting, inviting fans to pause and reconnect.
Sixteen UK dates, a beautiful new record, and venues built for storytelling all signal something special. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the band for the first time.
This autumn’s performances promise to be rich in atmosphere, melody, and meaning.
