Two controversial figures have been announced to perform at a seaside venue this summer.

Public Image Ltd, fronted by former Sex Pistol John Lydon, and rapper Dizzee Rascal are the latest names to join a series of summer concerts at Margate’s Dreamland this year.

Dizzee Rascal is up first, performing on the outdoor Scenic Stage on Saturday, August 19.

The following month Public Image Ltd, known to fans as PiL, will be headlining the fairground’s indoor venue Hall by the Sea on Tuesday, September 12.

You can book tickets to both events online here.

Rapper and MC Dizzee Rascal, from Knockholt near Sevenoaks, first made waves in the early ‘00s for his pioneering work in the British grime scene.

His debut album, Boy in da Corner, earned him the Mercury Prize in 2003 and has since been certified Platinum, selling more than 300,000 copies.

His hits include Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers and Fix Up, Look Sharp and he has collaborated with a number of acclaimed artists such as Calvin Harris and Florence and the Machine.

However, in March 2022 the musician was forced to put his career on hold after being convicted of domestic violence.

The artist, whose real name is Dylan Mills, was given a community order, including a 24-week curfew and 12-month restraining order banning him from contacting his former partner, as well as being ordered to pay £2,190 in costs and a £95 surcharge.

John Lydon, who has been the only constant member of Public Image Ltd since the band’s formation in 1978, is also no stranger to controversy.

The singer made front page news along with his Sex Pistols bandmates after swearing on live television in an interview with Bill Grundy on the Today show in 1976.

The broadcast made the punk pioneer, known at the time as Johnny Rotten, a household name. The band continued to make headlines during their short but explosive career, from their expletive-filled album title to the deaths of bassist Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen.

The frontman, whose wife of 44 years, Nora Forster, died after living with Alzheimer’s for a number years on Thursday, has also sparked debate with his political views in more recent years.

Since the Sex Pistols disbanded in the late 1970s, the God Save the Queen singer has been the frontman of post-punk band Public Image Ltd.

Despite line-up changes over the years, which have featured members such as The Clash guitarist Keith Levene and the Pop Group drummer Bruce Smith, the band are celebrating their 45th anniversary this year.

The anniversary tour, which includes their concert at Dreamland, will celebrate the band’s biggest hits such as Public Image and This is Not a Love Song.