Rolling Stones Announce Free Concert for VIA Criterium at London Cycle Festival
In a thrilling and unexpected move, rock legends The Rolling Stones have announced a free concert in conjunction with the VIA Criterium at this year’s London Cycle Festival, bringing together music lovers and cycling enthusiasts for what promises to be an unforgettable day in the heart of the capital.
The iconic band revealed on Saturday morning that they will perform a full-length show on the main festival stage in Hyde Park on the final day of the VIA Criterium — London’s premier urban cycling event, scheduled for August 24, 2025. Entry to the concert will be free for all attendees, a rare gesture from one of the most commercially successful touring acts in history.
A Historic Fusion of Rock and Ride
The announcement has sent shockwaves through both the music and sports communities. The Stones’ performance will be the headline act of the closing celebrations, capping off a day of high-speed criterium races, urban cycling showcases, and community rides throughout central London.
Speaking in a press release, frontman Mick Jagger expressed his excitement:
“We’ve always loved playing London — it’s home. But to do it for the people, outside, and tie it into something as energetic and community-focused as the London Cycle Festival? That’s our kind of ride.”
Guitarist Keith Richards added his usual flair:
“Pedals, wheels, amps and thunder — sounds like rock ‘n’ roll to me. Let’s make some noise.”
Logistics and What to Expect
The concert will be staged in Hyde Park, with organizers anticipating up to 100,000 attendees. Entry will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis, with festival-goers encouraged to arrive early. While no ticket purchase is necessary, free registration is required via the official London Cycle Festival website to manage crowd control and public safety.
Festival director Amara Cole called the Stones’ participation “a dream come true.”
“This is more than a concert — it’s a cultural moment. Bringing together the timeless energy of The Rolling Stones with the growing popularity of urban cycling shows how diverse and dynamic London can be,” Cole said.
The band is expected to play a career-spanning setlist, featuring classics like “Start Me Up,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Paint It Black,” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Special tributes to the late drummer Charlie Watts are also expected during the performance, following his passing in 2021.
VIA Criterium and Festival Synergy
The VIA Criterium, now in its third year, has rapidly grown to become one of Europe’s premier urban cycling races, drawing professional riders, amateurs, and cycling clubs from across the UK and the continent. With races routed through Westminster, Soho, and the Mall, the event mixes elite competition with street culture, sustainability, and urban mobility advocacy.
This year’s theme, “Pedal Power for the People,” mirrors The Rolling Stones’ own ethos — accessible, grassroots, and full of energy. The collaboration between the two cultural forces feels natural, festival planners say.
“The Stones get what we’re doing here,” said VIA’s head of programming, Jules Armitage. “They’re not just playing a set; they’re becoming part of the movement — one where the city, the people, and the rhythm of the streets come alive.”
Community Impact and Sponsors
The concert will also shine a light on London’s cycling initiatives, including the expansion of low-traffic neighborhoods, green bike lanes, and public bike share access. Several of the Stones’ longtime partners — including Voodoo Lounge Apparel, Mick’s Jams, and Richards Riffs Guitars — are contributing to a festival charity fund to support cycling safety and accessibility in underserved communities.
Local businesses are preparing for a windfall. Nearby restaurants, bike shops, pubs, and hotels have already reported a spike in bookings and interest. The Mayor of London’s Office has also backed the event, calling it a “landmark cultural moment.”
“It’s moments like these that show London at its best — active, vibrant, inclusive, and rocking,” said Deputy Mayor for Culture, Naomi Hartley.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The reaction online has been nothing short of electric. Within minutes of the announcement, “Rolling Stones Hyde Park” and “Free Stones Concert” were trending across platforms, with fans from as far afield as Brazil and Japan expressing plans to travel to the UK just to catch the surprise gig.
Longtime fan Derek Rowe, 67, from Kent, called it a “full-circle moment.”
“I saw them in Hyde Park in ‘69 — now I’ll see them again in 2025. And for free? You couldn’t make it up.”
Younger audiences are also hyped. Influencers and TikTok creators have already begun coordinating bike-themed fashion looks and group rides that lead directly to the show.
Final Words
Whether you’re there for the gear shifts or the guitar riffs, August 24 is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying days of the year in London. The Rolling Stones, still rolling strong into their seventh decade, are once again proving why they’re the undisputed kings of live rock. And this time, they’re doing it not just for the ticket holders — but for everyone.
So grab your helmet, lace up your boots, and get ready: London is about to rock and roll like never before.
