Iron Maiden have been confirmed as one of next year's Download Festival headliners.

The veteran metallers will top the bill at the Donington event on Sunday June 12.

The date will be the band's only UK gig of 2016 and they will fly into the nearby East Midlands Airport on their 747-400 jumbo jet Ed Force One.

The plane will be piloted by singer Bruce Dickinson as it carries the band's crew and gear.

Maiden will be promoting their recently released new album 'The Book of Souls'.

Dickinson commented: "Download is a very special place for us. Not just because it’s always great to play on home turf but because there’s a truly unique vibe there, it’s the very heart of England and of Metal, so a fitting place for Iron Maiden.

"The crowd is always fiercely passionate and the whole band feeds off that famous Donington energy. We aim to deliver a really memorable show for our fans to close the 2016 Festival. Although this is our sixth time headlining at Castle Donington, it’s the first time we’ve been able to land Ed Force One right on the doorstep of the Festival site!

"We haven't decided on the set list as yet and won’t until we start rehearsing but we really look forward to playing a number of new songs live, especially as the recording was so much live. However, as it’s been a while since we saw you all, I am sure we will include plenty of older fan favourites too.

"I think the fans will be delighted by what we have in mind. We are also in the middle of creating the new show and rest assured we are working hard to bring you all something spectacular, something with a lot of heart!!! You certainly deserve it for your patience."

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Watch Iron Maiden perform live below: