Queen guitarist Brian May and Adam Lambert perform on stage during the MTV Europe Music Awards 2011 live show at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland [Photo by Getty Images]

FREDDIE Mercury’s last ever gig for Queen was at Knebworth Park and it was “absolutely phenomenal”, according to the joint-owner of the Hertfordshire stately home.

Martha and Henry Lytton Cobbold at a Sonisphere Festival press conference at Knebworth House

So Martha Lytton Cobbold, who is managing director of Knebworth House, told the Welwyn Hatfield Times she is looking forward to more of the same 26 years on.

Queen, with former American Idol contestant Adam Lambert filling Mercury’s shoes, will play the 2012 Sonisphere rock festival at Knebworth on Saturday, July 7.

“It’s absolutely amazing news to have Queen back here,” said Mrs Lytton Cobbold, who was at the 1986 Queen show.

“I think it will be quite emotional for most people, as there is an amazing association with Queen and Knebworth.

Sonisphere Festival director Stuart Galbraith with Knebworth House's Martha and Henry Lytton Cobbold

“It was also not that long ago that we had a Queen exhibition.”

As for the band playing at Sonisphere – which has seen many more heavy acts – she added: “Sonisphere is a rock concert and rock comes in many different forms.

“Having Queen here is important for diversity and I’m sure it will be quite an incredible performance.

“Overall we’re very happy with this year’s line-up.”

Tickets for Sonisphere 2012 went on sale last week.

Kiss will headline the opening night on Friday, July 6, with Faith No More the Sunday night headliner.