The festival featured almost 90 events and 14 light installations. Photo: Supplied / © Charlotte Curd
More than 175,000 people visited the TSB Festival of Lights which ended in New Plymouth on Sunday - 20 percent more than last summer's event.
The five-week festival in Pukekura Park, which this year featured almost 90 events and 14 light installations, has enjoyed consistent growth since being crowned New Zealand's favourite event in 2021.
New Plymouth District Council event lead Lisa Ekdahl was delighted with the turnout saying great weather played a big role, with only a handful of event changes needed.
"Observing both locals and out-of-town visitors enjoying the lights and music experience we offer every season is incredibly rewarding. The dedication put into organising this free event becomes truly meaningful when met with such overwhelming support.
"This event has a huge team behind it with council staff, sponsors, contractors, and volunteers putting in the mahi to support the running of this event. We are thankful to all of those involved."
She said a more detailed report on the economic impact of the festival and visitor numbers was expected in the next few months.
Last summer the event attracted 14,000 people - 28 percent of them from outside of Taranaki - and according to a Berl report pumped more than $8 million into the local economy.