Not only is the mainstream scene in its rudest health in years, it's also more diverse than ever and guitar-fans are spoilt for choice. We felt it was important to stick our oar in and highlight our top five picks for the 2010 festival season.

Reading and Leeds

27-29 August - full line-up - tickets

Many a young muso has cut their festival-teeth during the August bank-holiday weekend at Reading or Leeds. This year sees the organisers return to their rock roots and frankly, we're expecting big things.

For one reason or another, headliners Guns N' Roses always put on a show worth watching and you can rely on Bumblefoot (Buckethead's replacement) to deliver on the solos.

Other TG faves in attendance include Biffy Clyro, The Gaslight Anthem, Blink-182 and a specially-reformed Libertines.