Iron Maiden are playing only one UK show in 2026: EddFest at Knebworth Park on Saturday 11 July, as part of their 50th-anniversary Run For Your Lives World Tour. The band have confirmed it is their last UK performance until at least 2028. If you can't get to Knebworth, or you simply want more live Maiden between now and then, a tribute show is the realistic way to hear these songs played loud in a room near you.
Here's everything that's been announced, what it means, and how to fill the gap.
What is EddFest?
EddFest is a two-day festival event at Knebworth Park, Stevenage (SG3 6PY) on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July 2026, built entirely around Iron Maiden. Rather than a standard stadium gig, the band have turned the site into what manager Rod Smallwood called a "Maiden World" to mark 50 years.
The Saturday main stage is headlined by Iron Maiden bringing their Run For Your Lives show, with a hand-picked support bill of The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne and The Almighty. Friday is for campers, with early access to the site, a Maidenville stage headlined by former Maiden singer Blaze Bayley, and the attractions opening up across the afternoon and evening.
Alongside the music, the site features:
- The Infinite Dreams Experience: a walkthrough museum covering 50 years of artefacts, props and instruments
- Eddie's Ultimate Dive Bar: the biggest version yet of the band's Dive Bar concept
- Maidenville: themed areas including the Unfair Funfair and Eddie's Emporium market
- Camping: Friday-to-Sunday camping included with weekend tickets
It is named after Eddie, Maiden's mascot, because, in the band's words, "Eddie is the true star of the show".
Why this is the last UK show until 2028
The Run For Your Lives tour is Iron Maiden's 50th-anniversary world tour, which ran through 2025 and continues across Europe and beyond in 2026. The 2026 European leg takes in stadiums and festivals in Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France and Portugal through May, June and July, with the Knebworth date as the single UK headline show.
Promoters and the band have been explicit that Knebworth is the final UK appearance "until at least 2028". For UK fans, that means after 11 July 2026 there is a long wait for the real thing.
How to get your Maiden fix until 2028
If you miss Knebworth, or you're simply not willing to go without live Maiden for the best part of two years, your options are limited:
- Travel to a European date. Possible, but flights, accommodation and stadium tickets add up quickly.
- Replay the live albums. Great, but it isn't the same as a live room.
- See a serious Iron Maiden tribute band. The closest you'll get to that gallop, those harmonies and a crowd shouting every word back, at a fraction of the cost and a short drive from home.
That third option is what we do. Ey Up Maiden are Yorkshire's professional Iron Maiden tribute, touring across the UK with a repertoire of more than 70 Maiden songs, authentic staging and a setlist that rotates hits and deep cuts. While Iron Maiden are off UK soil, we keep the songs alive in pubs, clubs, theatres and festivals near you.
Our 2026 Piece of the Beast Tour celebrates Number of the Beast and Piece of Mind in full, and our wider set draws across the whole catalogue. Check our tour dates to find a show, or get in touch if you'd like us to bring the Maiden experience to your venue or event.
Frequently asked questions
Are Iron Maiden touring the UK in 2026?
Only once. Their sole 2026 UK show is EddFest at Knebworth Park on Saturday 11 July, part of the Run For Your Lives World Tour. The rest of the 2026 schedule is in Europe and other parts of the world.
When will Iron Maiden next play the UK after 2026?
The band and promoters have said Knebworth on 11 July 2026 is their last UK show until at least 2028, so UK fans face a wait of around two years for the next official appearance.
What is EddFest at Knebworth?
EddFest is a two-day Iron Maiden festival event at Knebworth Park on 10-11 July 2026, with the band headlining Saturday alongside The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne and The Almighty, plus a museum experience, themed areas and on-site camping.
How can I see Iron Maiden's songs live if I can't get to Knebworth?
The most accessible option is a professional Iron Maiden tribute band. Ey Up Maiden tour the UK year-round with over 70 Maiden songs. See our upcoming gigs or book us for your own event.
Last updated: 20 May 2026. Event details are based on announcements from Iron Maiden and the EddFest organisers and may change; always check official sources for tickets and timings.