RICHARD Hammond has congratulated the winners of the Bridgwater Carnival Concerts 2024 in a surprise video message.

The former Top Gear presenter, best known for being one third of the motoring trio along with Jeremy Clarkson and James May, sent a pre-recorded video message to Renegades Carnival Club.

The Club won this year’s sold-out Bridgwater Carnival Concerts and scooped the prestigious White Hart Cup.

In the 13-second clip, Hammond says: “I just wanted to say a huge congratulations to the Renegades Carnival Club for winning the cup. I have seen the video, and it looked fantastic. I wish I was there, well done. You should be proud of yourselves.”

Katie Whiting, Stage Captain and choreographer for Renegades CC, said: “A colleague of mine who helped with the Carnival Concerts this year also works for Richard Hammond, and showed Richard a video of the Concerts. Richard was very interested in it. Apparently, he’s a real advocate of musical theatre.”

“The Carnival Concerts are a little bit of a hidden gem. Everyone’s heard of Notting Hill, but not Bridgwater. And from the videos, Richard got to learn a bit more about it. He didn’t realise it was a competition!”

Following the Club’s victory, Katie received an email from someone wishing Renegades CC congratulations. “When I opened the email, I was astounded it was Richard Hammond! I was a bit apprehensive to share the video and we didn’t share it on social media until a few days later.”

“It’s topped off an amazing experience for us at Renegades CC. Ultimately, I’m sure he would have done it for any of the carnival clubs. Seeing is believing!”

Renegades CC now turn their attention to Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival 2024, which takes place on Saturday, November 2, 2024. The procession begins at 6pm, with events throughout the day scheduled throughout the town.