Iron Maiden, the iconic heavy metal band, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a spectacular festival titled EddFest. The event, scheduled for July 10-11, 2026, will take place in Knebworth, England, and promises to be a memorable experience for fans of the band. Headlining the festival, Iron Maiden will be joined by a diverse lineup of rock artists, including The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne, and Almighty.
EddFest, named after the band’s beloved mascot, Eddie, will feature a unique attraction called the Infinite Dream Experience. This immersive walkthrough museum will showcase the band’s storied history through a collection of artifacts, props, and instruments. Festival-goers can also visit “Maidenville,” billed as “the greatest dive bar yet,” where they can partake in Eddie-themed fairground games and rides. Additionally, fans will have access to Iron Maiden merchandise at Eddie’s Mega Emporium and enjoy performances from Maiden United, an acoustic tribute band, along with Hair Metal Glamageddon on a special Maidenville stage.
The festival aims to create a vibrant environment full of camaraderie among fans. “We know Maiden fans are basically a huge gang, and we want to give them a weekend to remember at Knebworth,” said Rod Smallwood, Iron Maiden’s manager. He added that the festival will expand on previous fan experiences, stating, “This whole tour has been such great fun,” highlighting the bond between the band and its audience.
As part of the lead-up to EddFest, Iron Maiden will embark on a North American tour that includes concerts celebrating their first nine albums. The tour will feature performances in cities such as Boston, Toronto, and Hershey, Pennsylvania. Tickets for both the festival and the tour are available through various platforms, including Vivid Seats, StubHub, and SeatGeek.
Bruce Dickinson, the band’s frontman, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming performances. “I really enjoy belting out all these great old songs, and the whole band are loving playing them too!” he stated. Iron Maiden, comprised of members including Steve Harris and Dave Murray, has produced a number of hits over the decades, such as “Run to the Hills,” “The Trooper,” “2 Minutes to Midnight,” and “The Number of the Beast.”
The legacy of Iron Maiden has been acknowledged in various ways, including the induction of former members Paul Di’Anno and Blaze Bayley, along with Eddie’s creator Derek Riggs, into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2021. Di’Anno, who passed away in 2024, was the band’s lead singer during its formative years, contributing to their early success.
As the festival date approaches, excitement is building among fans eager to celebrate Iron Maiden’s half-century milestone in a setting dedicated to their shared passion for heavy metal music.
