Iron Maiden celebrates 50th anniversary with Knebworth Eddfest 2026

British heavy‑metal legends Iron Maiden staged a two‑day, 50th‑anniversary festival at Knebworth on 10‑11 July 2026. The event, dubbed Eddfest, featured the band’s classic lineup alongside supporting acts such as The Hu, The Darkness, Airbourne and former vocalist Blaze Bayley. The festival grounds included themed zones like Eddie’s Dive Bar, a Trooper VIP area, a fairground with rides, and an exhibition called the Infinite Dreams Museum, showcasing historic stage props and memorabilia.

During the night‑long performances, the band delivered a setlist of signature songs—including “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” “Number of the Beast,” “The Trooper,” and “Fear of the Dark.” Frontman Bruce Dickinson made a playful remark to Norwegian fans in the audience, prompting cheers, and performed a magic‑illusion trick that sent him disappearing in a puff of smoke. Approximately 50,000 fans attended, and the shows were recorded for future release. Iron Maiden’s bassist Steve Harris noted the significance of celebrating the milestone at Knebworth, a venue he once visited as a fan in the 1970s.