SOUTHAMPTON residents are being given the chance to have their say on the shape of the city's biggest leisure event.

People in the city are being asked for their ideas on how to give Southampton's ageing balloon and flower festival a major facelift.

City leisure supremo Councillor Peter Wakeford made the appeal during a meeting of city tourism watchdogs.

The appeal follows Daily Echo revelations earlier this week that city leisure chiefs had drawn up a three-year plan to give the festival a radical makeover.

A survey by Tourism South East had shown that 39 per cent of visitors were dissatisfied with the "poor showing" of the balloons at the 15-year-old event last year.

Among the ideas to revamp the festival are giant TV screens showing the Euro 2004 football championships and the Wimbledon final which could be put up on Southampton Common.

The council also plans to establish the festival as a major show for vintage vehicles, working in conjunction with heritage groups and classic car clubs.

The famous "nightglow" element of the show - where balloons light up the night sky - is likely to be kept.

Cllr Wakeford said: "We welcome any ideas and will be happy to listen to anyone."

What do you think the council should do to revamp the show?

Email David Newble using the link above.