British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN will headline next year's edition of the UK's Sonisphere festival, which will be held Friday, July 30 - Sunday, August 1 at Knebworth. It will be the band's only UK appearance in 2010.

The line-up - with more to be added - is as follows:

IRON MAIDEN *

RAMMSTEIN **

ALICE COOPER **

ANTHRAX **

THE CULT **

IGGY & THE STOOGES **

MÖTLEY CRÜE *

SLAYER **

* only UK appearance in 2010

** only UK festival appearance in 2010

The legendary Iron Maiden, whose last UK concert was a sold out show to 50,000 fans at Twickenham Stadium in July 2008, are the biggest selling British Metal band of all time, with album sales in excess of 80 million based on a huge following around the planet built on extensive and spectacular World Tours and the sheer excitement of their live performances. Brit Award winners for Best British Live Act earlier this year, Maiden have been at the forefront of Metal for over twenty-five years and continue to go forward with ever increasing success both critically and commercially. Their last tour alone visited 38 countries and played to 2 million passionate fans, with the recent award winning DVD Flight 666 of this tour making it to No 1 in 25 countries including the UK and USA, where it is still the top selling music DVD so far this year.

Prior to playing a few selected dates next summer, Maiden are currently working on a new album expected to be released late next year. Iconic frontman Bruce Dickinson took time out to comment:

“Knebworth has been the home of so many legendary concerts going back many years it really will be a privilege to play there. We enjoy the camaraderie of playing great festivals and are very much looking forward to getting back out to do some shows next summer and, as it will be over two years since we played the UK, we will certainly be looking to deliver a memorable and spectacular night for our fans!”

Anthrax remark: “God-damn we couldn't be more thrilled about being a part of Sonisphere 2010!!!! We are still buzzing from our insane show at Knebworth last summer and are drooling over the fact that we are a part of this history making festival!! What an amazing Xmas present for Anthrax and our fans. See you all very soon!!”

Sonisphere is set to be an even bigger monster in 2010, with the extra day of music added. Friday 30th July will see the festivities getting started with a Rocky Horror show theme, and Alice Cooper - the legendary godfather of theatrical rock – suitably closing the evening on the SATURN stage at his only UK festival performance of 2010. With hits such as 'Schools Out', 'Poison' and 'Hey Stoopid' plus a full theatrical set, the iconic singer is the perfect focus for the evening’s theme. Fancy dress is expected and encouraged. In addition to the acts on Saturn, there will be bands performing on two tented stages from 6pm until 11pm.

Tickets are priced as follows:

Weekend ticket £132.50 (no booking fee)

Weekend ticket with camping- £157.50 (no booking fee)

Early camper - £5

Locker - £10

Car park - £10 in advance/£20 on the day

Deposit scheme is available for £40 until midnight on April 30th 2010 - the balance would

need to be paid off by May 31st 2010.

Tickets available from www.sonispherefestivals.com.