The club must block out 31 days for residents in summer when no major events are held
Foo Fighters at Anfield stadium
Foo Fighters at Anfield stadium
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A huge change around when Liverpool FC can hold concerts at Anfield has got the go-ahead at the third time of asking. Before the first Premier League game is played each season, the month of July has previously been blocked off to allow residents respite from major events and football matches during the summer.
However, the football club will now be allowed some flexibility in when it welcomes major artists to L4 after gaining approval from Liverpool Council. For the past seven years, Anfield has hosted the likes of Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Elton John and the Rolling Stones.
City councillors have now agreed to implement a minimum 31-day period when events using the pitch area cannot be used but will not limit this to the month of July. These types of events may only take place six times a year.
The club needs a licence to stage major events outside of football matches, which controls the sale of alcohol, how much noise is permitted and timings. This was granted in 2018 for a period of two years then extended for a further five seasons in 2021.
In total, 21 gigs have been held in the last seven years with expectations of further shows in June 2027 and 2028. In June, the club asked the local authority to change the arrangement to allow more flexibility to secure more events.
During the first hearing of the plans by Liverpool Council’s planning committee, Mark Worcester, planning agent on behalf of the football club, said feedback had been received from concert promoters that there was “major demand” for venues in July.
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Sam Ryan, representing the club earlier today, said Anfield had become the “preferred venue for major global artists” and in some cases, the stadium was the only UK location outside London. Ms Ryan said in the case of the Foo Fighters this summer, Anfield was their only British date.
In 2024, a bid was lodged to completely remove the restrictions in place for July. An amendment was reached to reflect the current application, which now protects the 31-day window, but adds a degree of flexibility which would allow the club to stage events in July.
The proposed change will likely impact when home matches are played at the start of the Premier League season. Ms Ryan said the plans provided “significant socioeconomic benefits” and not hosting the gigs in July meant lost revenue to the city.
Cllr Portia Fahey, who represents the neighbouring Everton North ward, said the area around Anfield was “predominantly residential” describing the current restrictions as a “simple rule that works for residents". She said in future the scheme could work but felt “the structures aren’t adequate currently".
Darryl Shellard, of Tancred Road, also offered an objection, claiming concert events were causing a disruption “bigger than matchdays". He added how residents were “worth more than 31 days” offered by the club.
Councillors voted by majority to back the plans to change the permissions. LFC has made a commitment to donate to a community grant fund each time a concert is held.
It is understood around £140,000 has been granted to date.