THE results are in and Gremlins CC have been announced as the winners of the top prize after a fortnight of fabulous Bridgwater Carnival Concerts.

And after the curtain closed on Saturday night, the clubs and front of curtain acts gathered eagerly to hear the judges scores being read out and see if they had landed one of the coveted prizes.

Gremlins CC finished in first place with their Mad Max-inspired effort, winning the White Hart Cup in their first year with new choreographer Natalia Clapp.

Andrew McLean, chairman for Gremlins CC, was delighted with the club’s success. He said: “The club are absolutely overwhelmed with being awarded first at this year’s carnival concerts, and this result marks ten years in the top two on stage for the club.”

“On behalf of the carnival club, I would also like to congratulate all of the other clubs and acts on their amazing performances over the fortnight.”

Close runners-up were Ramblers CC with their Greatest Showman-themed effort (complete with circus acrobatics) while last year’s winners Renegades CC claimed the Barrie Lintern Trophy for finishing third with ‘Festival of Lights’.

Vagabonds CC dazzling ‘Fiesta’ claimed fourth with British Flag CC and Marketeers CC narrowly missing out on the top four.

Wills CC’s fantastic tableaux inspired by the American Civil War earned them the Sam Hooper Cup for highest place Gang.

The Les Manley Cup for Most Improved club was handed out to joint winners, Vagabonds CC and YMCA CC.

Vagabonds CC also claimed the Suffragettes Cup for best costume with their detailed designs while Gremlins CC took home the Millennium Cup for best stage setting.

Of the front of curtain acts, teenager Brandon Filler clearly impressed the judges winning four awards with his comic impersonation of King George III - the Judges Cup for best single vocalist, the Reg Dyer Personality Cup, the Arthur Rainey Cup for best comic act and the Bert Snook Rose Bowl for best Under 17 Front of Curtain.

The Viva La Diva Showgirls won the George Bown Cup which is awarded to the front of curtain act with the best song, dance, novelty or musical act.

Elsewhere the Sally Williams Dancers polished ‘Night at the Museum’ medley won them the Starkey Cup honouring the Best Dance Troupe.

Away from the lights and music, it was also revealed that Ramblers CC have raised over £6,300 for Prostate Cancer UK with their I’m a Rambler get me out of here’ fundraising exploits during the two weeks of the carnival concerts.

As well as arranging live trials throughout the town’s carnival pubs, fellow carnivalites were able to vote for the camp mates (club members) they most wanted to see take part in these trials.

Malcolm Cattle, president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “Firstly I would like to thank all of the clubs, dance troupes and front of curtain acts who have taken part in the 2018 Bridgwater Carnival Concerts and for providing such top class entertainment to our audiences, which have collectively topped 5,000 people over the fortnight. The entire cast has been a true credit to carnival and to the town of Bridgwater.

“I would also like to offer my sincere congratulations to Gremlins CC and all of the other winners for their success. In addition a special mention must go to Ramblers CC for their fundraising exploits and for raising so much money for Prostate Cancer UK.

More than 600 performers took to the stage over the course of Carnival Concerts held at the Town Hall and offered a tantalising glimpse of what we can expect on the night of the procession, which this year takes place on Saturday, November 3.