by Rebecca Hughes

Tickets have gone on sale this morning (Friday) for a new music event in Rochester featuring punk legend Johnny Rotten.

Former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon turned down an invitation to perform at the closing ceremony of the Olympics but is coming to Rochester to headline Music Event One (ME1) this summer.

He will perform with his band Public Image Limited (PiL) at Rochester Castle on Saturday, July 28.

Organised to coincide with Medway's Year of Celebration, the festival will see Rochester filled with live music from big acts to unheralded treasures.

Neil Burrow, the man behind the festival, said: "We are excited at the prospect of John Lydon headlining the debut year of Music Event One. He is a massive name in the history of music."

The singer, who is also known for his time on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and butter adverts on TV, hit the headlines after distancing himself from the re-release of the Pistols' album God Save The Queen in time for the Diamond Jubilee.

In a statement he said: "I am pleased the The Sex Pistols recordings are being put out there for a new generation however I wish for no part in the circus being built up around it. I am very focused on Public Image Ltd."

PiL will be headlining the main stage in the Castle Gardens. Other bands confirmed include The Wedding Present, Theatre Royal and Kids Unique.

Tickets are £26 and available through Ticketmaster on 844 0444 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk, by calling on 01634 338338, going to www.medwayticketslive.co.uk or from the Rochester Visitor Information Centre.