Council wants to host more 'iconic' events at park

Ed Sheeran played at Roundhay Park in 2019

Leeds City Council wants to increase the capacity of Roundhay Park to almost 70,000 to host more major events there in future.

The park staged some of the biggest names in music in the 1980s and 1990s and welcomed Ed Sheeran for two shows in 2019.

The authority has submitted a licensing application to increase the current capacity from 19,999 to 69,999.

A spokesperson said the extra capacity would allow the council to "potentially facilitate larger events from 2026, similar to the iconic events that Roundhay Park has hosted in the past".

The spokesperson said the change would apply to the entirety of the park, which covers more than 700 acres and is thought to be one of the biggest city parks in Europe.

If the application is approved, Roundhay Park would become one of the largest outdoor venues in the UK.

It previously held a licence to hold 79,999 people, but this was reduced due to a lack of demand in 2006.

Capacity was temporarily raised in 2019 for the Ed Sheeran shows.

The Rolling Stones played there in 1982 - one of only four British venues on their European tour that year.

In 1987 the park hosted Genesis, six weeks before Madonna performed in front of 73,000 fans there when she opened her Who's That Girl World Tour in Leeds.

A year later, Michael Jackson played at Roundhay Park on his 30th birthday, while Irish rockers U2 performed in front of 54,000 fans in the park as part of their PopMart tour in 1997.

Robbie Williams also played two concerts there in 2006.

A consultation on the council's application will run until 29 July before a decision is made at a later date.