BOLTON Wanderers have been given the go ahead to host six weeks of drive-in events at the University of Bolton stadium’s car park over this summer.

The council has agreed to make changes to the football club’s premise licence which also allows it to host a winter wonderland event on site later in the year.

The University of Bolton stadium is one of only 12 venues in the country selected by promoters Live Nation for the events which start on July 25.

Artists announced so far include Gary Numan, The Streets and Dizzee Rascal.

There will also be shows for children including The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Horrible Histories and Braniac Live as well as appearances by Dick and Dom.

Around 3,000 tickets have already been sold for these events – but the licensing sub-committee was asked to consider objections from neighbours.

Some residents raised their concerns noise and traffic at a virtual meeting via video conference – although two residents spoke in support of the events.

Bolton Council’s pollution control unit told the committee, which is made up of three councillors, that they had concerns about noise pollution.

But representatives from the club and the promoter said they recognised that granting a licence for these events, which are taking place in “unprecedented” circumstances, would rely on the “good will” of the local authority.

Club owner Sharon Brittan addressed the committee at the meeting.

She said: “Our core values are doing things properly and respectfully.

“I totally understand people who live in the area who have objections and we will do everything we can to really relay their concerns and work with them.

“If we do get permission to go ahead, we will absolutely communicate with the local residents at any time. We will be available. We will talk this through.

“I truly believe the positivity this can bring here is a real boost that’s needed not only for Bolton, but for the UK, to everybody. But I’m very aware there’s a negative impact on local residents.

“We will work with you and will do everything we can do within our capabilities to make this totally not as painful as you think it might be.

“We do care. I certainly don’t want to think that somebody’s up every night and we’re causing them anxiety. So we’re very aware of the noise levels.

“This is not just about generating revenue for Bolton Wanderers, this about a lot more than that.”

The application to vary the premises licence was approved with conditions.