David Gray UK Tour 2026: The Full List Of 'Past & Present' Dates, New Album Details, And Ticket Guide
British singer-songwriter David Gray is set to return to the UK in a major way, having officially announced a brand-new summer run of dates for 2026 as part of his ambitious 'Past & Present' World Tour. This highly anticipated series of shows, which will take place across June and July 2026, promises to be a career-spanning celebration, mixing his multi-platinum, era-defining hits with fresh material from his upcoming new album, Dear Life. The announcement, which follows a successful run of international dates, confirms a series of large-scale outdoor concerts and festival appearances that fans across the UK are already scrambling to secure tickets for.
As of today, December 19, 2025, the most current and confirmed information points to a spectacular summer itinerary featuring special guests like The Divine Comedy on select dates. This article provides the definitive, up-to-date guide to the 'Past & Present' tour, including every confirmed UK venue, the tour's unique concept, and essential ticket information.
David Gray: A Biographical Profile and Career Highlights
David Gray is one of the UK’s most enduring and critically acclaimed singer-songwriters, known for his distinctive blend of folk, rock, and electronic textures. His career trajectory is a unique story of perseverance, culminating in one of the biggest breakthrough albums of the 21st century.
- Full Name: David Peter Gray
- Born: 13 June 1968
- Birthplace: Sale, Greater Manchester, England
- Genre: Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Electronic Folk
- Years Active: 1993–Present
- Key Albums:
- White Ladder (1998/2000) – The album that launched him to global stardom, featuring "Babylon," "Please Forgive Me," and "Sail Away."
- A New Day at Midnight (2002)
- Life in Slow Motion (2005)
- Foundling (2010)
- Newest Project: His thirteenth studio album, Dear Life, which coincides with the 'Past & Present' tour.
The 'Past & Present' Tour Concept: Why This Tour Is Different
The 'Past & Present' World Tour is not just a standard greatest hits run; it is a carefully curated journey through David Gray's extensive catalogue, designed to satisfy both long-time fans of his breakthrough era and those keen to hear his latest artistic direction. Gray himself has been clear that the title is intentional, ensuring audiences know they will experience the breadth of his work.
A Blend of Iconic Hits and New Material
The setlist for the 'Past & Present' tour is a dynamic mix, promising the "big songs" that made him a household name alongside a showcase of his new album, Dear Life.
- The "Past" (The Classics): Fans can expect to hear seminal tracks from the multi-platinum selling White Ladder, including the global smash hit "Babylon," "The One I Love," "Sail Away," and of course, the title track "White Ladder."
- The "Present" (New Tracks): The tour serves as the live debut for many songs from his new album, Dear Life. Early setlists from the world tour have featured new material like "After the Harvest," "Slow Motion," "Nos Da Cariad," and "Leave Taking."
The tour's format allows for a rare opportunity to see Gray’s evolution as an artist, moving from the electronic-tinged folk of his early success to the more reflective, mature sound of his recent work. It’s a testament to his belief in the live performance that the setlist "breathes and evolves in the moment," making each concert a unique experience.
Confirmed David Gray UK Tour Dates & Venues for Summer 2026
The core of the UK leg is a series of spectacular outdoor shows and festival appearances scheduled for June and July 2026. This is the most comprehensive list of confirmed dates and venues announced for the summer run:
David Gray 'Past & Present' UK & Ireland Tour 2026
- Wednesday, June 10, 2026: Hampton Court Palace Festival, London, UK
- Thursday, June 11, 2026: Hampton Court Palace Festival, London, UK
- Friday, June 19, 2026: Vaillant Live, Derby, UK
- Sunday, June 21, 2026: Isle of Wight Festival, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK
- Thursday, July 2, 2026: Manchester Barton Aerodrome, Manchester, UK
- Saturday, July 4, 2026: Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Scarborough, UK
- Sunday, July 5, 2026: The Piece Hall, Halifax, UK
- Tuesday, July 7, 2026: Royal & Derngate, Northampton, UK
- Saturday, July 11, 2026: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, UK (Special Guest: The Divine Comedy)
- Sunday, July 12, 2026: Dreamland Margate, Margate, UK (Special Guest: The Divine Comedy)
Note that additional dates, including indoor arena shows, may be announced for the 2025 leg of the tour, with Belfast, UK, having been mentioned in earlier reports. Always check the official David Gray website for the most up-to-the-minute schedule.
Essential Ticket Information: On Sale Dates, Prices, and Special Guests
Securing tickets for these highly sought-after shows requires quick action, as many of the outdoor venues have limited capacity and are expected to sell out quickly. The inclusion of special guests like The Divine Comedy on certain dates makes these events even more appealing to fans of British music.
Ticket Pricing and General Sale
General ticket prices for the major outdoor shows are competitive for an artist of David Gray's stature. For the Manchester Barton Aerodrome show, for example, ticket prices start from £54.50 plus a booking fee. Across the tour, standard seating and standing tickets for theatre and arena dates are generally priced starting around $55 USD (or the equivalent in GBP) for upper sections, running up to $125 USD for lower-level seats, depending on the venue.
Key On-Sale Information
For the newly announced summer 2026 dates, the general sale for tickets began on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10 am local time. Fans are strongly advised to check official ticketing partners like Ticketmaster and GigsAndTours, as well as the official venue websites (e.g., Cardiff Castle, Hampton Court Palace) for specific pre-sale windows and VIP package availability.
Special Guests: The Divine Comedy
Adding significant topical authority to the tour, David Gray will be joined by the critically acclaimed Northern Irish band The Divine Comedy, led by Neil Hannon, on several dates. This double-bill of iconic British singer-songwriters is confirmed for both the Cardiff Castle and Dreamland Margate shows, making them must-see events for fans of intelligent, lyrically rich pop music.
The 'Past & Present' tour is shaping up to be a monumental series of concerts, offering both a nostalgic trip back to the era of White Ladder and an exciting look forward at the music from Dear Life. With tickets now on sale for the summer 2026 run, securing your spot is the next critical step to experiencing this legendary performer live.
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