by Rebecca Hughes

Musical mayhem is coming to the Medway tomorrow when one of the most iconic figures in British music headlines a new festival.

Former Sex Pistols’ frontman John Lydon is coming to Rochester Castle Gardens to perform at the inaugural Music Event One (ME1) with his post-punk outfit Public Image Limited.

ME1, set across seven stages in Rochester, aims to develop the best of new independent music by combining legendary performers of the alternative scene with some of the best new music locally and nationally.

Almost 30 acts are set to perform across the various venues and Lydon says people should get off the internet and come down to watch.

He said: "People spend too much time online now. The number of times I have seen people walk into a lamppost because they are on their phones. They don’t see the wonderful world that we live in and they need to get out more. A PiL gig is a good place to meet people and it is an enormous amount of fun."

PiL will also be joined on the main stage by one of Britain’s most influential and alternative bands, The Wedding Present.

Led by David Gedge, the band has stubbornly refused to play the record industry’s game. Nevertheless, it has notched-up an impressive 18 top 40 hit singles.

Further support is provided by two up-and-coming acts signed to Rochester’s Preservation Society Presents label – Theatre Royal and Kids Unique.

Fringe events in small venues around Rochester High Street include another ex-member of the Pistols, drummer Paul Cook. He will perform with Vic Godard and The Subway Sect at the Royal Functions Rooms on Star Hill.

Tickets are available from 01634 338338, in person from the Visitor Information Centre in Rochester High Street, or on the day from the box office at the Castle Gardens.

For more information visit www.musiceventone.co.uk/tickets