Johnny Rotten. Picture by Duncan Bryceland

by Rebecca Hughes

He turned down an invitation to perform at the closing ceremony of the Olympics games, but punk legend Johnny Rotten is coming to Rochester to headline a major new music event this summer.

The former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon will perform with his band Public Image Limited on the main stage at Rochester Castle on July 28 as part of the new festival Music Event One (ME1).

Organised to coincide with Medway’s Year of Celebration, the event will include performances at ten other venues in Rochester High Street, with each putting on an extra five bands.

Event organiser Neil Burrow, from record label The Preservation Society Presents, said he hopes the event will grow to a two-day event in 2013 and three-days by 2014.

He added: “We are really 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.”

Other bands who have been confirmed include The Wedding Present, Theatre Royal and Kids Unique.

A total of 4,600 tickets for the event in Rochester Castle will go on sale on Friday, May 4.