TENS of thousands crammed into Burnham on Monday night leaving the town busting at the seams for another astounding Highbridge and Burnham Carnival.

Fears the event would be a washout following the non-stop rain on Sunday and during the day on Monday were laid to rest as the skies dried up and the party began.

One of the biggest crowds of all time, according to organisers, lined the streets of Marine Drive, the High Street, and many others for the spectacular show, eagerly anticipating the impending arrival of the dozens of colourful carts.

Once again, Gremlins CC won many plaudits for their entry, Nemesis (Invasion Earth), which bagged the Vine Cup for best Open Feature, the Maureen Pearce Memorial Cup for Best Towing Vehicle, the Stan Butt Cup for Best Feature Entry, and to complete the lot, the Phil Harris Memorial Cup for Best in Entire Procession.

The Bridgwater-based club's success secured an unprecedented hat trick of Somerset Carnival wins this year following their first place finishes in Friday night's Bridgwater procession and Saturday night in North Petherton.

Their stunning cart featured a fully motional warrior 'Nemesis' which left the crowds open-mouthed as it roared its way through the procession route to the rousing sound of Queen.

Gremlins CC chairman Phil Brockbank said he was proud of the way his club competed and thanked everyone for their hard work throughout the year.

He said: “Words can't describe how I felt when I saw the cart coming towards me, I thought it was awesome.

“The club members have my total admiration for how hard they have worked and I am very proud of the cart we have produced - it has been emotional.”

There was also success on the night for Wills CC from Bridgwater who scooped the Ralph Trotman Cup in the Open Tableau Class.

Just Georges CC secured the Morland Cup in the Open Comic Feature category, best juvenile act went to Marina Sydenham for their 'Flowers in the Rain' entry, and Harlequin CC were awarded the Chairman's Choice trophy on the night.

Lone local club Hillview JCC, based in Highbridge, continued their run of success from last year with the Best Local Entry cup, Best Local Costume, as well as a third place finish in the Open Juvenile Feature or Tableau class.

Fellow Highbridge entry, the Lucy Gunter School of Dance and Theatre Arts, was also celebrating their win in the Anything Goes category for the third year in a row.

As another year passes by all that is left is to congratulate all the hard-working clubs for their fantastic efforts and to all the spectators who enjoyed a thrilling show. See you next year!

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