Metal
EDDFEST: Inside Iron Maiden’s immersive 48‑hour celebration of 50 years of metal coming to Knebworth
EDDFEST will take over Knebworth Park this July, in celebration of 50 years of Iron Maiden.
Iron Maiden have never been a band to do things by halves — and for their 50th anniversary, they’re going bigger, louder and more ambitious than ever.
In 2026, the metal icons will transform Knebworth Park into EDDFEST, a fully immersive, once‑in‑a‑lifetime festival experience built around the band’s universe, mythology and, of course, their beloved mascot Eddie.
Billed as Maiden’s idea of the perfect 48 hours, EDDFEST promises themed zones, exclusive attractions, live music, bars, rides and a level of fan service that only a band with five decades of history could deliver.
A Walk Through Maiden History
At the heart of the festival sits the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience — a walk‑through exhibition inspired by the Sunday Times bestselling book Infinite Dreams. Fans will be able to get up close to stage props, artwork, relics and rare pieces from across Maiden’s career. For many, it will be the first and only chance to see these items outside of the band’s private archive.
Welcome to Maidenville
Beyond the museum lies Maidenville, a sprawling themed village packed with entertainment. Here, fans can step into the biggest and most elaborate version of Eddie’s Dive Bar ever created, explore a second stage hosting bands and special guests, and brave the Unfair Funfair, complete with rides and Eddie‑themed carnival games. Eddie’s Emporium will offer exclusive merch and souvenirs designed specifically for the event.
Friday night campers will be the first to experience it all, with early access to the site and the museum. The Maidenville stage will host a full evening of entertainment featuring artists with deep ties to the band — some obvious, others delightfully unexpected.
Bruce Dickinson performing on the RUN FOR YOUR LIVES tour/Avalon
A Vision Years in the Making
Manager Rod Smallwood says the band wanted to create something truly different for their return to the UK.
He explained: “After the monumental shows in the UK last year, we knew that if we were going to play the UK in 2026 it had to be very different.
“Knebworth gives us the space to create a Maiden World for the fans. EDDFEST is a one‑off event to celebrate the band’s 50‑year career — and everyone knows Eddie is the true star of the show.”
Smallwood adds that Maiden fans have essentially become a global tribe, and EDDFEST is designed to honour that camaraderie. “There will be great music, great beer, exciting things to do, unique photo opportunities and unbeatable Maiden memories.”
A Festival Line‑Up Worthy of the Legacy
Friday night’s Maidenville stage features full sets from Stray, Maiden United, Airforce, Tony Moore’s Awake, plus Hair Metal Glamageddon.
Saturday opens the main arena, including Eddie’s Extended Emporium, the Trooper VIP area and interactive attractions. The live bill features The Almighty, Airbourne, The Hu, and The Darkness, all leading into Iron Maiden’s monumental RUN FOR YOUR LIVES headline performance — their final UK show until at least 2028.
A Weekend for the Ages
Promoters Stuart Galbraith and Alan Day call EDDFEST “a celebration of the Eddie‑verse,” combining music, memorabilia, camping, themed experiences and a historic headline show.
EDDFEST begins at 2pm on Friday, July 10, with camping included for both nights (July 10 and July 11). Tickets are available now via ironmaiden.knebworth.com, myticket.co.uk, ticketmaster.co.uk, and ironmaiden.com.
