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WHY does the city council always make a mess of events such as the Caribbean festival? Is it time to employ an expert company using competitive tendering and dump the council department?

We visited on the Sunday, the public right of way by dock gate 8 was closed (are they allowed to do that?), so had to walk round through the fair.

Caribbean? No, just a money grabbing exercise. We then bought some Caribbean food but only a few tables and chairs were available to sit and eat it.

It was like the balloon festival and the old Southampton Show - a commercial opportunity rather than a community event.

I'm aware that events need funding but our city always has more of the commercial side with just a little of the advertised activity.

Other cities make a better job of it, for example the Hat Fair in Winchester, a great event.

The events we have are an embarrassment.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

Nick Murphy, executive director for neighbourhoods at Southampton City Council, replies: "While we are sorry that your reader did not enjoy their visit, the overwhelming public response has been very positive and complimentary.

"The festival was organised by us, in partnership with Royal Caribbean and Business Southampton, and attracted 35,000 visitors over two days.

"The event was a huge success in that there was a genuine mix of people from all communities across the city.

"There was a full range of free entertainment.

"The whole event was free entry and a range of international food outlets and trade stands were provided, not only to help offset the costs of staging the event, but to enhance the enjoyment of visitors. The Caribbean beach (pictured) was a particular highlight enjoyed by hundreds of children and families.

Throughout the year, the council works in partnership with a host of external organisations, community groups, volunteers and professional event organisers to bring a vast range of free entry events to the city. Details of events programme are at southampton.gov.uk/whatson.

10:00am Monday 5th May 2008

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