A year on from their number one debut single All Time Low, The Wanted are set to embark upon their first arena tour, culminating in two Irish dates.

The band has had a rapid start to their careers after bursting into the limelight two years ago. Four top five singles and two number ones with 30 million views on YouTube as well as 400,000 purchases of their debut self-titled album. Their second album, Battleground, has already sold over 100,000 copies so far and is sure to attract big crowds to the upcoming tour.

With such selling prowess, the accolades and recognition followed naturally. There was the ‘Best British Single’ Brit Award nomination for ‘All Time Low’ in February, the sell-out nationwide Behind Bars tour in March and April. a deal with prestigious American label Def Jam in April and slots at the iTunes and V festivals in July and August.

The band stated: "After the success of our first tour (which we think the mums just may have enjoyed even more than their kids) we're planning our first arena tour for February and March of next year. We just want everyone to come along and enjoy themselves, so don your "The Wanted" t-shirts and why not purchase a ticket-for-entry? It'll be spiffing!"

The Wanted play Belfast, Odyssey Arena on 8th March 2012 and Dublin's O2 Arena on 9th March.