Round of applause please...

Well we're done and dusted for another year, the Cube Club has deflated and we're slowly adjusting to life as per "normal" after a whirlwind 11 days of Erupt Festival goodness.

It was without a doubt a raging success, but don't take my word for it, perhaps ask the other 5000-odd festival-goers what they thought.

With sell out shows, a rocking Cube Club, toe-tapping beats and comedy and drama galore, it was one festival that is guaranteed to be on the lips of many for a while yet.

While the Erupt team are yet to finish crunching the numbers, the anecdotal evidence suggests the festival boosted not only the local spirit, but also the bank balances of a number of our local business operators and that's got be welcome news as we come into what is traditionally the quiet period for the Great Lake.

Festival highlight firmly remains Hot Pink Bits, Penny Ashton is a walking erotic encyclopedia and her take on the sex industry is both harmless and entertaining. With a killer voice, saucy moves and quick wit she really is the ultimate package.

Hundreds of local students also got their festival fix by taking part in the school's programme as well as the littlies, who enjoyed the Erupt to Light Trial and lantern making and parade. Oh who are we kidding, a few "oldies" enjoyed these events too, particularly the light trail which witnessed many repeat offenders coming back for more night and after night and why not I say.

Taupo can stand up and be proud of a festival that will undoubtedly generate much discussion overseas, with international comedy act, Idiots of Ants feverishly posting pics and tales from their time here in Gods Own on their Facebook page, love your work boys!

Once again hats must go off to Amanda, Kylie and the team for pulling off such a stellar event. Bravo ladies and bring on 2014!