And Exclusive Pre-Order

The Lilacs have announced a UK and Ireland tour for the first half of 2026, teasing their debut album alongside the tour.

Fans of the Wigan band can pre-order an exclusive first pressing of a “very special” new record on vinyl or digipak CD in order to gain presale for the upcoming tour.

The details of the record are yet to be shared, but a debut album would be the natural progression following the success of their EP ‘The 395 (To Forever)’ earlier this year.

The band was formed by Ollie Anglesea (Vocals and guitar) and Sam Birchall (Lead guitar) to realise their own vision. Having previously played in another band together, they aimed to put a feelgood spin and conversational lyrics on key influences such as ‘Arctic Monkeys’ and ‘Courteeners’.

As things took off, they cemented the lineup in late 2018 with the additional of Matt Johnson (Bass) and Dave Gomersall (Drums).

Earlier this year, the indie band released the aforementioned 5-track EP on Manchester label ‘Scruff of the Neck’. It was produced by Joe Cross (Courteeners) and was accompanied by a series of record store performances and signings and the announcement of a UK tour.

Unfortunately, the tour had to be postponed following the announcement that Birchall was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The band continued with their summer commitments and kept fans updated of his progress.

Following their ever-growing progression, The Lilacs will play their biggest headline show to date this weekend at the Manchester Academy.

The pre-ordered vinyls and CD’s will be signed, hand numbered and stamped to show proof of first pressing. This will be the only chance for fans to get their hands on the exclusive first run, ahead of its release next year.

Tour pre-sale access opens Wednesday 19/11/2025 at 10am ahead of the general sale on Friday 21/11/2025 at 10am.

The record can be pre-ordered HERE NOW .

Catch The Lilacs on tour at the below dates:

03/04/2026 – Leicester, O2 Academy 2
04/04/2026 – Stoke-On-Trent, The Sugarmill

09/04/2026 – Lincoln, Southside
10/04/2026 – Norwich, The Adrian Flux Waterfront (Studio)
11/04/2026 – Southampton, The Joiners Live!
18/04/2026 – Glasgow, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
25/04/2026 – Dublin, Upstairs at Whelan’s
01/05/2026 – Plymouth, The Junction
02/05/2026 – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach

Words by Brad Halcrow (@brad_halcrow_writes) for THE SONGBIRD HQ