THE outlook is far from gloomy for Urmston group The Rainband - with a UK tour and European dates with Paolo Nutini planned for May and June.

Fans can see them play their first hometown gig of 2014 with a show at Manchester’s Band On The Wall to promote of their new single, Sirens.

Martin Finnigan, lead singer of the Rainband, said it was an ‘exciting time’ for them, with the release of the new album in October.

in June they will play one of the world’s most iconic pop festivals - Glastonbury - for a second year running.

Martin said: “We are looking forward to all the gigs but home is where it’s at for us. It’s an exciting time for the band, creatively we work on the new album out in October.

“Personally, for me, to play the shows with Paolo will be a real highlight. He’s a great guy and musically, at the peak of his powers right now. I have listened to his new album - out in April - and its incredible.

“I met Paolo and his dad, Alfredo, when we played at the Italian Moto GP last year and when then they came to our show there.

"We’ve all been good friends ever since.”

Glastonbury has played host to some of music’s biggest names over the years, with The Rolling Stones and The Who among the acts to have appeared there.

Martin said: “As musicians, its days like that, we live for. Let’s hope it’s sunny - but then with a name like ours, we could have no complaints if it wasn’t, could we?.”

* The Rainband play Band On The Wall on March 21