Iron Maiden are marking their 50th anniversary with Eddfest, a two-day celebration of the band held at Knebworth, the storied site of past gigs by acts including the Rolling Stones and Oasis. In interviews conducted in Sofia, Bulgaria, frontman Bruce Dickinson and bassist Steve Harris reflect on the milestone, the scale of their current touring, and the prospect of new music, with the piece framing the festival as the latest highlight in an extended jubilee programme.

The event takes place on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July, with a main bill featuring The Darkness, Mongolian folk-metal act The Hu, Airbourne and The Almighty alongside Maiden. Attractions include a "Maidenville" area with Eddie's Dive Bar, fairground rides and the Infinite Dreams Experience of props and memorabilia, plus Friday performances by Maiden alumni. The anniversary has also encompassed the hardback book Infinite Dreams, the Burning Ambition documentary and the ongoing Run For Your Lives tour, which will conclude in Japan in November after 91 gigs in 11 months, playing to around 2.5 million people. Harris cites the band's 2025 London Stadium show — home of his club West Ham, recently relegated from the Premier League — as a career high.