Gillingham, Kent, UK (By Mikey) - Tomorrow sees the start of the annual festival season finale, The Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festival.
Only three action-packed days remain before the curtain is closed on 2003's outdoor activities that have once again proved it's hard to beat the UK festival calendar.
First things first - weather check. If you believe the BBC reports then pack your raincoat for Reading. Black clouds are looming on Friday and Saturday with the sun only appearing for the last day. Temperatures should be in the mid-20s. Patrons of the Leeds site have something to smile about though with the Beeb predicting clear skies all weekend. Question is - do you trust them? Come rain or shine, it's the music that matters and the organisers have compiled a fantastic line-up featuring some of the biggest bands on the planet - even without The White Stripes and Jay Z - and some up-and-coming new talent lower down the bill.
At the former end of the spectrum, the return of Metallica to this country (bar the guest spot at Download) is the most mouth-watering of the weekend - expect some explosive classics and cuts from 'St Anger'. Linkin Park and Blink 182 (Fri Reading/Sat Leeds) make an enticing double act especially considering the fact that the 'Park's Chester 'my-music-makes-me-sick' Bennington is still regaining strength after his illness lay off.
As the only British representatives of the big six headliners, Blur have been there and sold the t-shirts. A festival stealing set is not out of the question but either way it will surely be one of the weekend's highlights.
Two words sum up the rest of the main stage line up - The Darkness. Where else are you going to be between Placebo and Staind? Spandex and OTT guitar solos aside, don't miss pop punkers Sum 41 who are always good value, Good Charlotte who have the hits, The Libertines (minus Pete) who have one or two points to prove and the trio of Beck, The Streets and Doves.
As usual, the Radio 1 tent is packed with some recognisable names and fresh faces to keep you more than occupied for three days. Naturally, the headliners - Polyphonic Spree, AFI, and The Music - will draw big crowds but watch out for Brit-rockers Hundred Reasons, Elbow peddling their new album and Interpol escaping the sunlight.
Electric Six's Glastonbury show proved they can rock with the best of them while The Cooper Temple Clause, The Mars Volta, The Thrills, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Hot Hot Heat will be striving to leave their own unique mark before the weekend's out.
Don't forget the Carling Stage for even newer groups, the Smirnoff Experience Dance Arena (Death In Vegas, Richard Fearless, Audio Bullys) for a boogie, The Concrete Jungle Stage for some serious punk rock action, and the Comedy Tent for a guaranteed laugh or for shelter if the heavens open.
One final word of warning - plan your travel arrangements well in advance. 
For Leeds ticket holders, remember not to turn up at the old site (someone's bound to) and Mean Fiddler strongly recommend you use public transport to avoid congestion - see leedsfestival.co.uk for all the necessary info on shuttle buses and trains.
For Londoners heading to Reading by rail - there is no service from Paddington due to engineering works but trains are going from Waterloo. Check with national rail enquires - 08457 48 49 50 - for the latest info.
