The Jimi Hendrix statue at Dimbola Lodge is to receive a cycling-inspired makeover, to celebrate the Isle of Wight hosting the final stage of the Tour of Britain. 

Dimbola Museum and Galleries in Freshwater is on the last part of the final route, to be cycled on the Island on September 11. It's the final stage of the seven-day long national cycling event. 

The famous Jimi Hendrix statue, situated in the gardens, will be getting into the spirit with a makeover involving lycra and a bike helmet. 

The likeness of the music icon was commissioned in 2006, by Isle of Wight Festival organiser John Giddings in tribute to Jimi’s iconic performance at the 1970 Festival. 

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Jimi will be joined by a crowd of well-wishers dressed up as hippies and Victorians who will be waving on the cyclists passing through the area on the day. 

Giving his blessing to the makeover, Mr Giddings said: “I am very happy to lend the rock ‘n’ roll spirit of Jimi Hendrix to what is a momentous occasion for the island.” 

Brian Hinton, chair of Dimbola, said: “Jimi is now immortal, a man for all seasons, and it is lovely to dress him up to celebrate cultural and sporting events in the vicinity of the Afton site where he very much helped put the West Wight on the map.” 

The UK’s leading cycling event will begin in Aberdeen on September 4, and will culminate on the Isle of Wight on the 11th. 

The event will be the biggest sporting event to ever take place on the Island and will place it centre stage to an international audience.