The 2024 Shepton Mallet Carnival saw a thrilling night of competition, as crowds gathered to watch carts and creative displays light up the streets.

This year's event brought a shake-up to the standings, with Ramblers Carnival Club securing a provisional win in the Open Feature category with their spectacular "Pinball" display. This victory marked an end to Gremlins CC's four-year winning streak; their "Beatlemania" display, which celebrated the iconic music of The Beatles, finished just a single point behind Ramblers' impressive entry.

Adding to the excitement, Masqueraders CC took third place with "Step Right Up," a carnival-themed tableau that brought the colours and elaborate costumes to life.

The Tableau Mounted Open category once again saw Huckyduck Carnival Club dominate, continuing their winning streak with "Brunel," a float inspired by the famed engineer's legacy. Pentathlon CC's "Outlaws" display captured second place, while Wills CC's enchanting tribute to "Roald Dahl's Imagination" took third. In the Feature Mounted (Local) category, Wick CC claimed top honours with their jazz-infused "Bourbon Street" float, which brought a lively slice of New Orleans to Somerset. Globe CC's "Driven by Precision" and Shambles CC's "The Siege" earned second and third places, respectively, each float offering its own unique take on local themes.

Comic performances also delighted the crowd, with Newmarket CC's "Tour de Somerset" taking the top spot for its humorous homage to the local landscape and personalities. Cary Comedians' "Oh Crop!" and Nunsford Nutters' "Nee Naw" provided further laughs, capturing the essence of Somerset's beloved carnival spirit. Meanwhile, Rubalo JCC's "Birds of Paradise" float was named the best Juvenile Feature, with its colourful display of exotic birds captivating onlookers and demonstrating the creativity of the younger participants. Hillview JCC followed with "Country Kidz," and Marina Sydenham JCC's "Carnivale De Mardi Gras" rounded out the top spots, each entry bringing a vibrant theme that celebrated youth involvement in the carnival tradition.

In the masquerader categories, Bridgwater Belles took first place among adult groups with their playful "Totally Bonkers" display, while Sue Hill Dance wowed audiences in the juvenile category with their energetic performance of "Don't Stop Me Now." Among individual entries, Jacks CC's "Ragtime" earned praise, as did Little R's "Silver Ball," capturing the creativity and enthusiasm of solo performers.

The excitement continues as the carnival circuit moves to Wells on Friday and then Glastonbury on Saturday, where the final results will be confirmed. With Somerset's carnival season in full swing, each procession celebrates the artistry, community, and traditions that make this annual event a staple in the region's cultural calendar.