CARNIVAL: Harlequin have the Wow Factor at Bridgwater

MAGNIFICENT Harlequin CC from Ilminster are definitely one of the stars of the show of this year’s Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnival Association circuit by producing that extra bit of X Factor magic for the judges.

There were gasps of “wow” from onlooking spectators at the giant Bridgwater Carnival on Saturday (November 7, 2015) as Harlequin came into view with Fogg’s World Tour and the rotating trio of chaps at the front of the cart.

They were near the rear of the procession – watched by a 150,000-strong crowd – and managed to secure the open cart feature section.

Having already scooped the championship trophy on the South Somerset circuit they would dearly love to do well on the majestic Guy Fawkes circuit.

But they are already facing stiff competition from the Bridgwater big guns of Gremlins CC who were champions of their home Carnival on Saturday and took top honours at the Highbridge and Burnham Carnival on Monday.

PHOTO - TOP: WOW - Harlequin CC approach with Fogg's World Tour.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Carnivalite Gary Bealey aboard Scott's Terra Nova - the Gemini CC cart at Bridgwater Carnival on Saturday.

Harlequin finished third at Burnham with Marketeers CC, of Bridgwater, in second spot with Noah.

But Harlequin took the prize for best towing vehicle at Bridgwater.

Chard’s Eclipse CC had the honour of leading the Bridgwater Carnival and they came fifth with Madagascar Europe’s Most Wanted, while they also won the prize for best vehicle driver.

Ilminster’s Gemini CC came third in the tableau cart category with Scott’s Terra Nova at Bridgwater and again at Burnham behind Pentathlon CC and Huckduck CC and their entries What Lies Beneath and Gatsby respectively.

There was joy at Bridgwater for Ilminster’s Xtreme CC who took top spot in the groups of masqueraders adults and second at Burnham, while another local group One Plus One CC came fourth in the comic feature cart category with Medical Misfits and Poppe Inne CC down in ninth with Shout at the Bridgwater parade.

Local masqueraders have also featured in the Carnivals with the likes of Mini Jacks CC and Simon Jackson, Inferno CC, Cousins CC and Judy Williams.

Further Carnivals on the Guy Fawkes circuit are as follows: Friday, November 13: Weston-super-Mare; Saturday, November 14: North Petherton; Wednesday, November 18: Shepton Mallet; Friday, November 20: Wells; Saturday, November 21: Glastonbury.

PHOTO - ABOVE: Chard's Eclipse CC and their cart entry Madagascar Europe's Most Wanted.

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