Liverpool Council has approved plans allowing Liverpool FC to hold concerts at Anfield outside the traditional July-only window, following a third application. The decision gives the club flexibility in scheduling major events while maintaining a minimum 31-day period each year when no pitch-area events can take place.
Approval after third attempt
The club had previously been restricted to holding concerts only in July, before the start of the Premier League season, to give residents a break from major events. However, city councillors have now agreed to implement a minimum 31-day period when events using the pitch area cannot be held, without limiting this to July. These types of events may only take place six times a year.
The licence, which controls the sale of alcohol, noise levels, and timings, was first granted in 2018 for two years and extended for a further five seasons in 2021. In total, 21 gigs have been held at Anfield in the last seven years, with expectations of further shows in June 2027 and 2028.
Club cites demand and economic benefits
During the first hearing of the plans, Mark Worcester, planning agent on behalf of the club, said feedback from concert promoters indicated "major demand" for venues in July. Sam Ryan, representing the club, said Anfield had become the "preferred venue for major global artists" and in some cases the only UK location outside London. Ryan noted that the Foo Fighters' Anfield show this summer was their only British date.
In 2024, a bid to completely remove the July restrictions was lodged, but an amendment was reached to reflect the current application, which protects the 31-day window while adding flexibility. The proposed change will likely impact when home matches are played at the start of the Premier League season. Ryan said the plans provided "significant socioeconomic benefits" and that not hosting gigs in July meant lost revenue to the city.
Residents' concerns and next steps
Cllr Portia Fahey, representing the neighbouring Everton North ward, said the area around Anfield was "predominantly residential" and described the current restrictions as a "simple rule that works for residents". She said the scheme could work in future but felt "the structures aren't adequate currently". Darryl Shellard, of Tancred Road, objected, claiming concert events were causing disruption "bigger than matchdays" and that residents were "worth more than 31 days".
Councillors voted by majority to back the plans. Liverpool FC has made a commitment to donate to a community grant fund each time a concert is held, with around £140,000 granted to date.
