When Ellie Goulding picked up the Critics' Choice gong at the 2010 BRIT awards, she followed in the still-warm footsteps of the last two winners - Florence (+the Machine) Welch and Adele. Both of whom seem to be doing ok.

And it is no surprise that the last three winners are all young women - the scene is still bursting with bright new female talent that includes La Roux, Laura Marling, Little Boots, Marina and the Diamonds and, lest we forget, Lady Gaga.

But the 23-year-old Goulding has managed to avoid some of the hype that has surrounded many of her peers. Partly this was down to audience fatigue in a congested marketplace but it also owes a great deal to Ellie Goulding's honesty. Like Marling and, to a certain extent, Victoria Hesketh (aka Little Boots), Goulding has opted for substance over style, eschewing the dizzying circus of Gaga or the wonderful high drama of Florence's performances for a simpler approach.

And now, this year's debut album release, Lights, is followed unhurriedly by Goulding's first major headline tour - her biggest yet - which kicks off in the autumn.

The twenty two date tour starts at the Newcastle Academy on 28th October, closing in Belfast at the Ulster Hall on 28th November. In the interim, the tour takes in much of the UK including performances at iconic venues such as Manchester's Academy and the Hammersmith Apollo.

Tickets will be on general sale from 9am on Friday 21st May, costing £15 for all dates except London (£16.50) and Belfast (£18.50), and will be available below.