This weekend sees the V Festival and get set for Prince's latest gig at the O2 Arena in the top five gigs.

V Festival
Hylands Park, Chelmsford
For a weekend-long round-up of the current British music scene, nothing beats the V Festival. It's a clean, tidy, and yes, atmosphere-free run through practically everyone who's hit the charts in the past 12 months, which this year includes the Killers, Kasabian, the Kooks, Snow Patrol, Foo Fighters, Lily Allen and possibly Amy Winehouse, rehab permitting. (0871 22 00 260) Sat 18, Sun 19 Aug. 12.30 pm

Martha Wainwright
Shepherd's Bush Empire, W12
Rufus's sister nearly stole the show with her Stormy Weather during his Judy Garland tribute shows at the Palladium. Now at last she has the stage all to herself to preview songs from her second solo album, not out until next year. Support comes from YouTube favourite Terra Naomi. (0844 477 2000) Fri 17 Aug. 7pm

Kerrang! Awards Shows
The Barfly, NW1
The hard rocking weekly builds up to its annual awards ceremony next Thursday with seven shows by mag favourites in the tiny Barfly. After Funeral for a Friend last night, there's Arch Enemy tonight, Fair to Midland tomorrow and Bullet for my Valentine on Sunday, followed by Enter Shikari, Aiden and Gallows next week. (020 7961 4244) until 22 Aug. 7.30 pm

Prince
O2 Arena, SE10
Showing no signs of flagging, Prince continues to dazzle at the dome with lengthy, hit-packed sets and some incredible dance moves for a man in high heels. He's been changing the setlist round a fair bit, but as I learned to my cost, don't leave when the house lights go up or you'll miss an extensive final encore. (0870 534 4444) Fri 17, Sat 18 Aug, then until 21 Sep. 6pm

Sepultura
Academy Islington, N1
A tiny show for the once gigantic Brazilian heavy metal group, who have suffered a dip in popularity since the departure of original singer Max Cavalera in 1997 and last year, his drumming brother Igor. (0844 477 2000) Fri 17 Aug. 6pm