The legendary Iron Maiden will be hitting Sonisphere this year. Photo: Guy Paterson

I know what you’re thinking, and you’re wrong. Sonisphere is not a rip-off of Download Festival – not by a long shot. The demand for rock/metal/alternative music festivals is rising every year and sometimes just one event doesn’t fill the void. So forget about the gathering at Donington this June, join us in Knebworth at the end of July.

Headlining this extravaganza of music are legendary British heavy metallers Iron Maiden and the German industrial metal Rammstein. Both headliners are famed for their live performances, you’d be a fool to miss out.

The legendary Iron Maiden will be hitting Sonisphere this year. Photo: Guy Paterson

Being held at Hertfordshire’s Knebworth House, the festival is a three day affair from Friday July 30th to Sunday August 1st. The Friday is Rocky Horror themed (fancy dress is expected and encouraged) with bands performing on two stages from 6pm until 11pm, featuring shock-rock icon Alice Cooper. Once Saturday rolls around though, all the stages will open and the bands come out to play.

Joining Rammstein and Iron Maiden across the festival include; Motley Crue, Iggy And The Stooges, Pendulum, Slayer, Alice In Chains, Fear Factory, and Anthrax. Sonisphere is also introducing a comedy tent for the first time, featuring Tim Minchin, Sean Hughes and Jarred Christmas.

The Bohemia area houses two of the covered stages which run later than the others. Bohemia also offers rock karaoke, Guitar Hero, silent disco, fairground rides, a cinema, stunt shows, and various DJs until the early hours.

Ticket prices start at £132.50, but to include camping it costs £157.50, which is still cheaper than any other festival of this size.

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