CONTROVERSIAL US stars Eminem and Marilyn Manson will be the main attractions at this weekend's Reading and Leeds music festivals, which kick off today.

The two-centred musical spectacular takes place over three days in the two cities, with some of the biggest names in rock and dance music headlining.

Among the other big names performing at the festivals are Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers and Scottish stars Travis.

Rap star Eminem and shock rocker Manson are sure to draw huge crowds when he performs later today on the main stage at Leeds.

The chainsaw-wielding rapper was threatened with arrest after pretending to take ecstasy tablets on stage during his British gigs.

Manson was recently arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a male security guard during a show.

Updated: 10:47 Friday, August 24, 2001