The public is back this year for the 90th 24 Hours of Le Mans! After hosting more than 250,000 spectators in 2019, the race was forced to take place behind closed doors in 2020 and was then limited to 50,000 spectators in 2021 due to the global health crisis.
In celebration of the return of fans and this special anniversary running of the race, the ACO has top-shelf entertainment planned for race week.
DJ SET and EXCEPTIONAL CONCERTS: The 24 Hours of Le Mans always sees world-renowned artists take the main stage during race week and this year is no exception!
Wednesday 8 June | KYO
French rock band KYO has returned to their roots and signature big sound on their new sixth album in celebration of 20 years together. This year, the group will hit the stage with an over-the-top show including their greatest hits and tracks from their new LP La Part des Lions. KYO has sold 2.5 million albums, 150 million downloads, won three Victoires de la Musique Awards (2004) and four NRJ Music Awards (2004).
Thursday 9 June | Pete Doherty
For his latest project, Peter Doherty (The Libertines, Babyshambles, Peter Doherty & The Puta Madres) has collaborated with Frédéric Lo, a guitarist and composer among others, known for his work with Daniel Darc on the album Crèvecœur. As Lo originally wanted to offer Doherty the Darc title Inutile et Hors d’Usage, their collaboration will now eventually result in an entire album. On his new opus The Fantasy Life Of Poetry And Crime released March 18 and inspired in part by Etretat and its famous Arsène Lupin, the confinement and his new-found sobriety, Doherty sings and has written the lyrics while Lo performs and has composed the music. Various members of Puta Madres and Babyshambles will join the duo on the main stage.
Friday 10 June | Martin Solveig
A music producer, DJ and versatile creative force, Martin Solveig has always paid particular attention to his image and focused his efforts on story-telling. Through his clips, live shows and photos, his talent is not limited only to the production of music, but extends to the expression of a universe and a vision of the world. Solveig exploded onto the world scene with Hello featuring Dragonette in 2010 from the album Smash which skyrocketed him to the top of the charts in four countries and attracted the attention of Madonna. The "Queen of Pop" recruited Solveig shortly thereafter to produce a portion of her LP MDNA and he shows no signs of slowing down with new collaborations and new solo singles expected before summer.
Saturday 11 June | The Stranglers
Formed in 1974, the provocative rock band The Stranglers is gearing up to wow audiences once again with the group's distinctive British sound! Their setlist is tailored for a live show to include classics like Golden Brown, Always The Sun, No More Heroes and Peaches, as well as titles from their new album Dark Matters released on 10 September 2021. Expect a few surprises...during their last tour, the band retooled certain elements of their most famous hits, making for a very special show. The Stranglers is undeniably one of the most exciting and influential British groups of the last several decades with 24 singles and 18 albums in the Top 40.
ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS FOR ALL AGES: In addition to the DJ set and concerts on the programme, other exciting activities are planned for spectators.
Friday 3 June and Saturday 4 June
- The fan-favourite Scrutineering is once again set for the city centre of Le Mans at the Place de la République.
Tuesday 7 June
- The circuit will open to the public starting at 14:00 for the traditional pitwalk and autograph sessions.
Wednesday 8 June
- Free Practice 1 will kick off at 14:00 and Fan Zones will open their doors at 16:00 followed by KYO's concert at 20:00.
Friday 10 June
- Another fan-favourite, the Drivers' Parade, is making its big return!