Recently, during their UK tour, Iron Maiden have hinted on several dates that they will be performing at Download 2006. Despite the fact that the band have not specifically cited the festival they have stated that their only touring plans for 2006 are at "a festival in the middle of the country in June".
Iron Maiden last headlined Download Festival at the inaugural event in 2003 and if they perform in June it would mark the band playing the fifth anniversary of the metal festival.
No bands have been officially announced for Download 2006 yet. We expect to hear an official announcement including details about Iron Maiden in the first couple of months of the new year.