IT'S just two weeks until the festival the whole of Southampton has been waiting for and finally city leisure chiefs have revealed what is in store at the event.

The countdown has begun to the revamped Southampton Festival which has been completely overhauled by city leisure bosses this year.

This year, the new-look festival on Southampton Common will have giant television screens in place so thousands can witness the final of the Euro 2004 football tournament - which will hopefully feature David Beckham and the boys competing for glory on Sunday, July 4.

Football will not be the only sport due to be screened at the mammoth event. Tennis fans too will get the chance to see action from Wimbledon as Tim Henman takes another shot at the elusive championship title.

About 100,000 people are expected to pack into the stunning new Southampton Festival which is due to be staged at the city's Common on July 3 and 4.

The festival, formally known as the Southampton Balloon and Flower Festival, has undergone a major facelift this year and promises to be the biggest free event of its type in the south of England.

City leisure bosses have included exciting new events to keep the festival at the forefront of similar shows which are staged across the south.

For all those who love different forms of transport, there will be the new motor zone featuring classic and heritage vehicles on display.

The zone will also include everything from speedway motorcycles to racing bikes, classic cars to sports cars, buses and even a full-size replica Spitfire.

There is a new "4 U" Kids area - a games arena dedicated to young children - and for those of a more daring disposition there is the "extreme zone" where visitors can try out extreme sports.

The event is organised by Southampton City Council and sponsored by Aspire Magazine. As well as the exciting new events, the more traditional elements of the old balloon and flower festival have been retained in the fun-packed programme.

There is a large colourful floral and gardening marquee, a music stage hosted by the musicians' union, the novelty of street theatre and plenty of picnic and catering areas with food to suit all tastes.

There are also hot air balloon teams and Saturday evening's traditional "nightglow" event where tethered balloons, special effects and music are combined to give the public an exciting and colourful theatrical performance.

Other events on offer include an arts and crafts marquee, community marquee, a festival food marquee with home produce and speciality foods and masses of trade and exhibition sites.

The festival is free with car parking at £8 a day. Blue badge holders have the right to free parking spaces. Wheelchair hire is available from Southampton city Shopmobility.

For further details call 023 8063 1263. Please note that the undulating grass surface on the Common may present problems for wheelchair users.

Anyone wanting to find hotels in Southampton can call Destination Southampton on 023 8077 1457.

The festival takes place on Saturday, July 3 between 6am and 9.30pm and Sunday, July 4 between 6am and 6pm.