Festival coordinator Julie Sydenham said some event entries were up, while others struggled this year.

She said new events, such as the Moon Lantern Festival and youth art competitions were a hit.

“The festival definitely lived up to its promise of 'artistic bliss in the MUD' with a major creative buzz filling the district over the previous two weeks,” Julie said.

“The theme Clash, whilst at first was not received with great enthusiasm, ended up generating amazing results.

"Quite obviously people were challenged by the theme, but we see this is a major plus - it forces artists to really think about their work and their techniques."

Julie said the Pechakucha Night at Milton Theatre was a sell-out show with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

"The presentations were varied in every way -humorous, inspiring, thought provoking and challenging - it was a perfect mix of presentations."

There were record entries in the RIPE: Sculpture Prize at Cupitt's Winery as well as the 8x8 Canvas Prize.

The RIPE winner, Tim Mooney said his work, Out of a Jam came out of a “sheer desire to enter something into Artfest”.

“There was no plan for an entry until the door was found in a council clean up.

“The site at Cupitt’s can get a little breezy thus the idea for a swinging door on a pole.

“All glass panes were discarded and one pane only was filled with a stainless steel panel with words engraved from a contemplative painting completed two years ago.

“The installation is basically about getting outside and breathing - To get out of a jam.”

Julie said the Alley Archies Portrait Prize was similar in number to last year, although the general consensus was that the calibre of entries was much higher. 

The number of Postcard Art entries was down, but the committee is working on improving that for next time.

“Every event has been really well received and good sales have also been reported from the many exhibitions across the district,” Julie said.

“We didn't have quite as many events as last year, but those we did do were exceptionally well received by both locals and visitors alike.”

The festival included 65 events which attracted 465 prize entrants, more than 100 workshop entrants and 900 individual artworks.