HEAVY metal legends Iron Maiden have been confirmed to headline the 2010 Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth – as predicted by the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

The music extravaganza – which will next year be extended to three days – will also feature German metal stalwarts Rammstein as headliners.

Iron Maiden – who will be making their only UK appearance of 2010 at Sonisphere – are the biggest selling British metal band of all time, having sold in excess of 80 million records worldwide since they formed in 1975.

Lead singer Bruce Dickinson said: “Knebworth has been the home of so many legendary concerts going back many years.

“It really will be a privilege to play there.”

He added: “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!”

A statement from Rammstein said: “The great support that we’ve experienced from the UK fans has been beyond anything we expected.

“This will be the first time that Rammstein has appeared at a festival in the UK and we are looking forward to putting on a show that no-one will ever forget!”

The festival will take place over the weekend of July 30, 31 and August 1, 2010.