Liverpool FC's plan to gain more flexibility on when it can host major concerts at Anfield is set to go before the city council for a third time, with the proposals recommended for approval.
The club is seeking a change to its licence that would allow it to stage events in July, while still protecting a 31-day window of respite for residents. The application will be considered by the local authority's planning committee next week.
Third attempt at changing event rules
Since 2019, the 61,000-seater stadium has hosted global music stars in June after the domestic season ends. Over the past seven years, Anfield has welcomed Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Elton John and the Rolling Stones.
Current rules require a 31-day window in July when no events can take place. The club needs a licence to stage major events outside football matches, which controls alcohol sales, noise levels and timings. Liverpool Council has granted permission for the stadium to be used no more than six times.
This was granted in 2018 for 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.
Promoter demand for July shows
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, Mark Worcester, planning agent on behalf of the football club, said feedback from concert promoters indicated there was "major demand" for venues in July.
He added that under the current rules "a global act was unable to play at Anfield, resulting in lost revenue to the city." Mr Worcester said: "Anfield is a popular choice for major global artists, some of whom do not perform at any other venue in the north of the country."
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 flexibility to allow events in July.
Road closure separate from application
The proposed change would likely impact when home matches would be played at the start of the Premier League season. A move to permanently close a portion of road surrounding the stadium will not form part of the application.
The local authority brought in a temporary road closure, officially shutting the road. The notice says it will be in operation from October 9 to November 19, followed by a Temporary Traffic Regulation order due to end in May 2028.
Liverpool FC stressed that this was a decision made by the council's highways department and was not a decision in the gift of the club. The planning documents added: "Issues relating to the closure of the replacement Anfield Road route have been considered but are not material to the determination of this application. The route is currently closed under separate highway powers and the proposal does not seek to amend the existing legal agreement requirements relating to that route."
