Carnival members injured in backlash at Bridgwater results

Gremlins CC, which won the overall prize at this year’s Bridgwater Carnival with their ‘Beatlemania’ cart, took to social media to confirm that two members of its team sustained head injuries.

Writing on Facebook, a spokesperson for Gremlins CC said: “Bridgwater 2024. A carnival weekend that won't be forgotten for many reasons.”

“We welcome the planned investigation from Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival into the second consecutive year of results issues.”

They added: “The chain of events that followed subsequently lead to verbal and physical abuse, with two members suffering head injuries following last night’s results.”

“Whilst we have been lucky enough to be awarded 1st place, we have been saddened by the backlash directed at the club both online and in person.”

Results for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival 2024 were subject to a lengthy delay, owing to a fault with technology and software.

Newmarket CC, which came first in the Best Comic Feature Cart class for its ‘Tour de Somerset’, also took to Facebook to issue an apology for the behaviour of one of its members.

A spokesperson for the club said: “The carnival club would like to deeply apologise following the altercations that occurred after the results reading on Sunday evening.”

“The actions of one individual have unfortunately created a bad image for the club. We do not condone these actions as that is not what Newmarket CC has built its reputation on.”

They continued: “This has been dealt with internally by the club. We understand someone has been injured and we would like to take this opportunity to forward on our best regards and a speedy recovery.

“Due to the circumstances and upset within the club we feel it is only right to withdraw from tonight's procession.”

“Congratulations to all the winners at Bridgwater Carnival and we wish every club and individuals in carnival a successful and enjoyable carnival season.”