IN light of the criticism of the Caribbean Festival, if Southampton City Council wants guidance on how to run a successful festival it could do a lot worse than visit Alresford.

The town recently put on its fifth annual Watercress Festival. As anyone who attended will know, it had all the local spirit, history and enjoyment that an event of this nature could ask for while promoting local sourcing and healthy eating for all the family.

It's amazing what can be achieved with a little thought and effort coupled with the support of the community.

YIANNAKI LOIZOU (by email).