Bid to hold concerts at Anfield in July gets go-ahead

A change to when Liverpool FC can hold concerts at Anfield has been given the go-ahead - at the third time of asking.

Since 2019 some of the biggest names in music including Taylor Swift, Elton John, and the Foo Fighters have played at the stadium.

Previous licence rules meant there needed to be a 31-day window in July when no events took place to give residents a break from crowds and traffic. However, the club successfully claimed that was too restrictive and had discouraged some major acts.

Liverpool City Council has now granted an application for a more flexible licence which protects the 31-day window but adds a degree of flexibility which would allow the club to stage some events.

Sam Ryan, representing the club, said Anfield had often become the "preferred venue for major global artists" and in some cases, the stadium was the only UK location outside London.

Ryan said the plans provided "significant socio-economic benefits" and not hosting the gigs in July meant lost revenue for the city.

To stage major events outside football matches, the club needs a licence which controls the sale of alcohol, how much noise is permitted, and timings. Under the terms, these types of extra events may only take place six times a year.

Councillor 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".

Resident Darryl Shellard, of Tancred Road, also offered an objection, claiming concert events were causing a disruption "bigger than matchdays" due to more road closures for concert-goers. He said residents were "worth more than 31 days" offered by the club.

Councillors voted by majority to back the plans to change the permissions.

It will also see the club making a commitment to donate to a community grant fund each time a concert is held.

It is understood about £140,000 has already been granted to date.

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