Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is celebrating the history behind one of its most prestigious concert trophies as carnival clubs prepare to take to the stage for the 2026 Bridgwater Carnival Concerts.
The White Hart Cup is awarded to the highest-scoring Gang or Feature at the annual Carnival Concerts and has become part of a tradition stretching back generations.
Official carnival records for the trophy date back to 1933, with the names engraved upon it providing a fascinating glimpse into the changing face of Bridgwater Carnival over almost a century.
More recently, four clubs have shared the White Hart Cup during the last 10 competitive years.
Ramblers Carnival Club has enjoyed four victories during that period, followed by Renegades Carnival Club with three, Gremlins Carnival Club with two and British Flag Carnival Club with one.
The last 10 competitive winners are:
2014 – Gremlins CC – Victorian Shipyard
2015 – British Flag CC – The Show Must Go On
2016 – Ramblers CC – Road To Nowhere
2017 – Renegades CC – Maori-Aotearoa
2018 – Gremlins CC – Wasteland 3000 (Danger Zone)
2019 – Ramblers CC – Baile De Favela
2020 & 2021 – No Carnival Concerts
2022 – Renegades CC – Londons Calling – One and All
2023 – Ramblers CC – Welcome To The Rock
2024 – Renegades CC – Tainted Love
2025 – Ramblers CC – All Out Together
Almost a century of history
Delving further into the Carnival archives reveals just how much history is attached to the White Hart Cup.
Since records began in 1933, Ramblers lead the historic list with 18 victories, followed by Vagabonds with 14, Wills with nine, Gremlins with eight, Marketeers with six and British Flag with five.
Renegades and Lime Kiln have each recorded three victories, while numerous other clubs and organisations from Bridgwater Carnival’s past also have their names represented on the trophy.
The statistics provide an interesting snapshot of the generations of carnivalites who have performed on the concert stage and helped shape the event into what audiences know today.
Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Publicity Director Lewis White said:
“The White Hart Cup is just one of the many trophies presented during our Carnival Concerts, but when you look back through its history it really demonstrates the incredible heritage behind this event.
“Some of the names will be instantly recognisable to today’s audiences, while others take us right back through generations of Bridgwater Carnival. Every name and every entry represents countless hours of work by carnivalites who have given their time to put something special on the stage.
“As we begin the 2026 concerts, we want to wish every club taking part the very best of luck and, most importantly, thank them for the enormous amount of work they have put into their entries.
“Months of rehearsals, choreography, costume making, scenery, music and preparation happen long before an audience ever sees the finished performance. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved for continuing these traditions and giving audiences another fantastic year of Carnival Concerts.”
The 2026 Carnival Concerts will once again see clubs bring their latest creations to the McMillan Theatre stage, continuing a tradition which remains an important part of the build-up to Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.
While another name will ultimately be added to the White Hart Cup, organisers say the concerts are first and foremost a celebration of the creativity, dedication and community spirit which has sustained Bridgwater Carnival for generations.
