Metallica to play new Knebworth festival

Metallica and Linkin Park have been announced as the headliners for a new two-day rock festival at Knebworth House.

Sonisphere, which will host 60,000 rock fans, takes place at the famous Hertfordshire venue on August 1 and 2.

Lamb Of God and Mastodon are also confirmed for the weekend event, reports eFestivals. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday.

"We're stoked to be touring England and Europe with Sonisphere", said Metallica's Lars Ulrich. "Summer festivals in Europe are what Metallica do best. We can't wait to see all of our fans over there."

Rumours about the American metal veterans playing the UK show first surfaced last November, when promoters Kilimanjaro Live Limited hinted that they wanted to create an event to rival the annual Download festival.

Knebworth has hosted famous concerts by The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen, Oasis and Robbie Williams in the past.