Wembley Stadium Allowed To Hold Nine Extra Full Capacity Events Per Year

Wembley Stadium Allowed To Hold Nine Extra Full Capacity Events Per Year Wembley Stadium will be able to hold an extra nine non‑sporting events at full capacity each year after securing permission from Brent Council.

On 7 April Brent Council’s planning committee unanimously approved proposals that could see up to 90,000 spectators attend 46 events across the year.

This decision would effectively bring an increase in the number of non-sporting events, such as music concerts, to a maximum of 24 annually, together with the 22 sporting fixtures allowed each year, excluding European Championship or World Cup football matches where England or the United Kingdom is the host nation.



Provision has also been agreed for Wembley to put on three additional sporting events each year, provided they replace two non-sporting.

This recent decision comes despite several objections from local residents, who are concerned about the impact of an increased number of full capacity events.

Though no representations were made at the planning meeting in opposition, a council officer’s report noted concerns related to increased “antisocial behaviour, transport issues, air quality and noise".

The report acknowledged the “high level” of impact on the surrounding area during event days, but said there would be additional “mitigation measures” put in place to help manage this.

Chris Bryant, who heads up tournament delivery at Wembley Stadium, has commented that this move would allow “greater flexibility” as the site looks to compete with other stadiums in the capital such as Twickenham, the Olympic Stadium, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He also said it would form a key part of the area’s recovery from the Covid‑19 pandemic as the stadium approaches reopening a full programme from 2022.

While the decision gives the stadium the opportunity to host 24 non-sporting events each year, Mr Bryant suggested it would be “unlikely” that number would take place.

He also stated that a condition put in place would prevent non-sporting events being staged on more than ‘four consecutive nights’. These events are of great financial significance to the wider Brent economy whilst importantly helping to create job opportunities through stewarding and hospitality.

Wembley Stadium external image at night