Iron Maiden are marking five decades of metal dominance in a spectacular way in 2026 — by transforming their only UK show of the year into a full‑blown festival celebration called EddFest. The band has confirmed that the event will take place over two days, July 10–11, 2026, at Knebworth Park in Stevenage, England, and is designed as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime immersive experience for fans.
Billed as the ultimate celebration of Iron Maiden’s 50‑year career, EddFest promises far more than a typical gig — it’s a full festival built around everything Iron Maiden has stood for since their formation in East London in 1975. The event will feature:
- The Infinite Dreams Museum Experience — a walk‑through showcase of real stage props, memorabilia and relics spanning the band’s history, inspired by their bestselling book Infinite Dreams.
- Maidenville — a theme‑park‑style area with the biggest Eddie’s Dive Bar yet, interactive experiences, food and drink stalls, and Eddie‑themed funfair rides and games.
- Friday Night Entertainment — reserved for campers who get early access, featuring live sets on the Maidenville Second Stage by acts with connections to Iron Maiden, including Stray, Maiden United, Airforce, Tony Moore’s Awake and Hair Metal Glamageddon.
- Main Stage Action on Saturday — rock and metal support from bands like The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne and The Almighty, sparking the build‑up to Iron Maiden’s headline performance as part of the Run For Your Lives world tour finale.
Iron Maiden’s manager Rod Smallwood explained that choosing Knebworth Park — a historic open‑air venue with ample space — was key to creating something bigger and bolder than a stadium show. He said the idea was to “create a Maiden World” where fans can spend up to 48 hours celebrating every corner of the band: the music, the mascot Eddie, the culture and the camaraderie.
Smallwood added that EddFest isn’t just about the live performance — it’s about experiences, memories, atmosphere and community. With camping and glamping options available, the event is being positioned as as much a “fan weekend” as a festival, complete with rare merchandise, photo opportunities and social spaces for fans from around the world.
EddFest will serve as Iron Maiden’s only UK show in 2026, and according to the band’s official announcement, it will be their last UK concert until at least 2028. That alone makes it a historic highlight of the band’s ongoing Run For Your Lives World Tour — a global trek celebrating their rich catalogue and long legacy by focusing on songs from their first nine studio albums.
Beyond the music itself, this festival is a fitting tribute to a band that helped define heavy metal, and to their mascot Eddie, who has become one of rock’s most iconic figures. By giving fans access to historic artifacts, themed attractions, live music and a truly unique setting, Iron Maiden are delivering something that music lovers are calling “Maiden’s ultimate celebration.”
EddFest tickets — including access to the festival grounds, museum experience and funfair elements — are available through Iron Maiden’s official channels, with camping available as a separate purchase. Fans are encouraged to book early due to the event’s limited nature and high demand.
With over 50 years of music, influence and epic live shows behind them — and a documentary, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition, hitting cinemas in May 2026 — EddFest is shaping up to be one of the biggest rock celebrations of the year, uniting fans old and new in the heart of England’s legendary metal legacy.
