Police Investigate Disturbances Following Carnival Results

Law enforcement authorities are looking into “altercations” which resulted in an individual sustaining an injury following the announcement of a town’s carnival outcomes. Disturbances occurred in Somerset after the Bridgwater Carnival, subsequent to the results being “delayed” by one day because of “laptop issues.” This globally renowned carnival draws over 150,000 attendees annually and holds the distinction of being the oldest in the UK, as well as one of Europe’s most significant illuminated processions. Avon and Somerset Police verified their response to a call at Angel Place in Bridgwater on Sunday evening. They confirmed that one individual received medical attention for a “split eyebrow” but did not require hospitalization. Typically, carnival clubs learn the provisional winner of the procession on Saturday evening; however, during a Facebook Live broadcast, audible boos followed the officials’ decision to postpone the result. In a subsequent Facebook Live broadcast on Sunday, which has since been removed, judges encountered booing and volunteers in the town had glasses thrown at them. Newmarket Carnival Club, one of the participating groups, issued an apology for the “altercations” and consequently “withdrew” from the Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Carnival earlier this week. In a formal statement, the club declared: “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. This has been dealt with internally by the club.” Gremlins, another club and the ultimate victor, expressed that it was “extremely saddened” by the occurrences on Sunday evening. A spokesperson for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival stated: “We are deeply saddened by the events of Sunday evening, and together with the carnival clubs, we are undertaking a thorough investigation into what happened.” Dave Stokes, representing the Bridgwater Carnival committee, informed BBC Radio Somerset earlier this week: “We’re disappointed we didn’t get this right this year due to laptop and technical issues on the night.” He explained that, as is customary for every carnival, the results announced on a Saturday night are always provisional and are subsequently confirmed within the following 48 hours. Stokes also highlighted that all involved are volunteers and offered an apology, acknowledging that the circumstances were unfavorable and that lessons must be drawn from the experience for the 2025 event. The Bridgwater gathering initiates the Guy Fawkes carnival circuit, during which clubs journey to Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea, Weston-super-Mare, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells, and Glastonbury throughout November. Avon and Somerset Police indicated that investigations are continuing and requested any witnesses to reach out to them.