LARGS Live has the ability to become a major music festival according to an events expert who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.

Sandie McCallum, who previously brought Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim to the festival, has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Nile Rodgers, Paulo Nutini and James frontman Tim Booth whilst working at Party in the Palace.

She believes it would be possible to bring big names to the town - if a proper committee is set up to take the festival in the right direction.

Sandie said: "There are loads of other places like Troon and Dunoon doing these festivals now and they are drawing big names like Ocean Colour Scene, so I don't see why Largs couldn't do the same.

"There needs to be a proper independent committee created which will handle the money and promotion of the event.

"The footfall was down last year and that was mostly down to the fact that no one knew what was going on and pubs were all doing their own thing.

"We need to take it away from that and have a group who will deal with bands and money to ensure that everyone is being paid fairly and no one place in town is getting favouritism.

"The current model for Largs Live is not sustainable. It will die a death if we don't act."

Sandie wants to sell set-price wristbands that would allow revellers access to all shows.

She added: "The cost could be as little as £3, which in the grand scheme it isn't a lot for the amount of music people would get to see.

"We have to find away of making it sustainable and an independent committee will be able to apply for grants.

"With the right people and proposals we could even go to North Ayrshire Council and Business Gateway for funds."

Sandie's interest in Largs music scene comes from her parents, who organised the first ever January 2 festivities, which remain a staple in the town's calendar.

Sandie has an extensive list of contacts which she believes would lend to the event if it was done properly.

She added: "We need to take it away from individual businesses trying to run it.

"The pub game is completely different from a music festival and that's where you need the right people involved.

"I have plenty of contacts which would help and who would be able to draw great acts - but only if we done it right, it needs to be more professional.

"I work at Party in the Palace and they draw brilliant bands looking for their big break and desperate to play for live audiences.

"Party in the Place has major sponsors like Glens and I don't see why that wouldn't be possible here.

"It needs the backing of the people in Largs and people willing to spend a small amount of money.

"We have great local acts like Mathew Hickman from Brownbear, who I am sure could help out and play and that would draw lots of people.

"We could get a marquee down the front and have bigger bands play there to make it like a proper festival. We need to think big."

This year's Largs Live will be held over the weekend of June 28 to 30.