RAMBLERS Carnival Club took the top award as the curtains closed on the 2019 Bridgwater Carnival Concerts.

With their performance Baile De Favela, the Bridgwater club won the prestigious White Hart Cup, which is awarded to the gang and feature gaining the highest number of points throughout the concert fortnight.

This is the second time in four years that the club, who are based at the Bunch of Grapes in St John Street, have won the top prize at the annual concerts.

James ‘Jimmer’ Venning, stage captain for Ramblers CC, was absolutely thrilled with the club’s success.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted with the result, and I would like to thank every single person who has been involved with this year’s stage performance.

“We have had an amazing time and I am very proud to be part of such a great club. We now can’t wait for the town’s carnival procession on Saturday, November 2.”

Last year’s winners Gremlins CC were overall runners up with 1638 Lost Treasure of Tortuga Island, and for the second successive year Renegades CC came third with Spirit of Togetherness.

Wills CC were the highest placed tableau club and won the Sam Hooper Cup after coming 9th overall with The Wreckers of Moonfleet.

In other results, Gremlins CC won the Millennium Cup for best stage setting, Renegades CC were awarded the Suffragettes Cup for best costume, and Lime Kiln CC took the the Les Manley Cup for most improved club.

The Julia McDonald Dance Company won the Starkey Cup for their show Come and Meet those Dancing Feet , while Viva La Diva were awarded the George Bown Cup for the best song, dance, musical or novelty act.

Sam Howes won the Judges Cup for best single vocalist and the Bert Snook Rose Bowl for the best 17 and under front of curtain act.

Ann and Emily Palmer took the Athletic Sports Cup for best vocal two or more, Kevin Cripwell won the Arthur Rainey Cup for best comic act, and Korben Drew from Julia McDonald Dance Company and British Flag CC won the Reg Dyer Cup for best personality award.

Mike Crocker, president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, added: “Firstly I would like to thank all of the clubs, dance troupes and front of curtain acts who have taken part in the 2019 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 all of the winners for their success.”

Bridgwater Carnival 2019 takes place on Saturday, November 2, with a revised start time of 6pm.

For more information, visit www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.