Record crowds flocked to Tauranga for a 10-day arts extravaganza that smashed attendance and ticket sales records, cementing the Tauranga Arts Festival as one of the city’s biggest cultural triumphs.

The festival culminated on Sunday after thrilling thousands of locals, and visitors, with a vibrant programme that included theatrical and musical delights, a rich literary series, hugely comedic shows, a circus spectacular, dance parties, a poetry slam, a piano in the wild, and whānau-friendly performances and more.

General manager Sarah Cotter said a record-breaking more than 7200 tickets sold for events staged in Baycourt, the Carrus Crystal palace that bedazzled on Tauranga’s waterfront, on Mount Maunganui beach, in Ōmokoroa and elsewhere.

Thousands of people also attended the festival’s free events.

Moreover, an unprecedented 12 of the shows were sold-out events, with others not far off, Cotter said.

She said the festival delivered on its intention to offer events to suit many and to make the arts accessible.

Jason Te Mete on piano, and Rutene Spoone, of Battle Chorus. Photo / Supplied

“There’s been an intentional shift in festival strategy – a successful move to engage the growing and diverse Tauranga population.

“It’s resulted in people stating their belief that it’s been the best festival yet. We’ve reset and built a strong foundation for next year’s and the years to come.”

Tauranga deputy mayor Jen Scoular, who managed to fit in seven “wonderful” shows, heralded the festival as “an absolutely fabulous huge success”.

“From a jam-packed dance-a-thon at 6.30am through to a disco ‘til 10 pm [yes, on the same day] it’s been rock’n’roll arts, theatre, music and fun.

“The Arts Festival adds vitality and vibrancy to our city, drawing in visitors and locals alike, to enjoy the shows, and take in the wonderful hospitality on offer in our bars, restaurants and cafes. I say well done to all those involved.”

Organisers confirmed visitors to Tauranga came by the droves for headline events such as Tami Neilson, Cirque Bon Bon, Hayley Sproull, Te Radar and C.W. Stoneking.

Tauranga Arts Festival chair Kathryn Lellman said the festival delivered the magic her board and festival team aspired to bring to the city.

“The past 10 days have really shown that Tauranga truly does have a heart and was ready for the fun, joy, laughter and tears the festival brings.

“Festivals are all about telling stories and we have told some fabulous ones.”

Lellman said they had incredible feedback from people who enjoyed the morning rave in the Carrus Crystal Palace, who sang We are the Champions with gusto.

The morning rave in the Carrus Crystal Palace. Photo / Supplied

People also enjoyed the mastery of Cirque Bon Bon, plays like Tangihangi and outrageously great comedy from Hayley Sproull and Te Radar, and the 500 children singing along with Jeff Parsnip (aka Jed Parsons) at All the Things I Wish I Could Be.

“That’s been just some of the magic,” Lellman enthused.

She said the public also appreciated how the revamped Tauranga waterfront sparkled with the Palace, the music in The Festival Garden and the light and sound installation Obelisk Natura alongside.

Earlier this year it was announced the festival – previously biennial – would become an annual event.

All indications were that Tauranga was well and truly ready for this, Lellman said.

Another change this year was at the helm of the festival team, with Cotter taking up the role of general manager, and Megan Brown as artistic director, with the two forming what Lellman calls a dynamic duo that knows how to deliver.

-Contributed content