Paul McCartney has been confirmed as the closing act at this year’s Pinkpop festival, one of the biggest events in the Netherlands’ summer music calendar.

It marks the first time the 73-year-old former Beatle has appeared at a Dutch festival. Director Jan Smeets described the news as ‘almost unbelievable’.

‘I love a festival audience and we plan to close Pinkpop with a massive party,’ McCartney was quoted as saying on the festival’s website.

‘I’ve not done a festival in the Netherlands before, so it’s an exciting new experience for me and for the audience, so we can all rock out together. Get ready, Pinkpop, we’re on our way. See you in June.’

Other acts booked for this year’s Pinkpop include the Red Hot Chili Peppers and German metal band Rammstein.

Dutch band Doe Maar will also be performing, singer and bassist Henny Vrienten said at the weekend.  Doe Maar was a popular Dutck ska and reggae band in the early 1980s who were a particular hit with teenage girls.

The festival takes place at Landgraaf, in Limburg, from June 10 and 12. Tickets go on sale on February 20. The full line-up can be seen on the official website.