ROCK giants Metallica and titans Linkin Park have been confirmed as the headline acts for a massive new music festival to be held at Knebworth this summer. Sonisphere will take place at the stately home near Stevenage over the weekend of August 1 and Aug

ROCK giants Metallica and titans Linkin Park have been confirmed as the headline acts for a massive new music festival to be held at Knebworth this summer.

Sonisphere will take place at the stately home near Stevenage over the weekend of August 1 and August 2 with the option of camping out.

The festival, which is also set to see American heavy metal rockers Lamb of God and Mastodon take to the stage, is expected to be able to accommodate 60,000 fans.

Knebworth House has a history of holding successful concerts over the last 40 years. Among the many rock luminaries to have performed at the venue are Oasis, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Queen and Pink Floyd.

Robbie Williams was the last big name act to play Knebworth, selling out three nights in 2003.

Martha Lytton Cobbold, managing director at Knebworth House, said: "We are thrilled to be hosting the Sonisphere festival and bringing more classic rock to Knebworth Park.

"Knebworth is synonymous with music and we are looking forward to welcoming the fans and having such a fantastic event in the region. We hope it's the beginning of an annual event."

Bands will perform on two alternate stages, with Linkin Park headlining on August 1 and Metallica headlining on August 2.

Other attractions will include stalls, a fun fair, jugglers and fire eaters.

The Knebworth festival will end Sonisphere's European tour.

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

The full festival line-up is due to be announced in the next few weeks.

Tickets for the event went on sale on Wednesday (February 11).

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.sonispherefestivals.com