Countdown to Carnival - two days to go (From This is The West Country)

Countdown to Carnival - two days to go

8:59am Thursday 8th November 2007

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WITH only one more day to go until the 2007 Bridgwater Carnival, the air of excitement is growing all around the town.

Hidden from view, final touches are being added to carts and costumes as Bridgwater's clubs prepare to make their mark on the 402nd annual parade.

Today's Mercury is bringing you a sneak preview of what to expect from the area's clubs .

After all, while all the people taking part in the Carnival will have worked tirelessly in fundraising, planning and building their entries, their will be a special buzz among those appearing on their home turf - so make sure you give each of them a huge round of applause as they pass.

Heading the procession will be the traditional Guy Fawkes float and new Carnival president Doug Robson, ahead of the likes of the Bridgwater Kestrels majorettes and the Mercury's own Dave Bird - be sure to give him a wave.

The juniors of Hamp will then parade through with their colourful Samba School, just ahead of parade favourites Wilfs CC, "coming out of the closet" this year in their usual imaginative style.

Somerset Sapphires majorettes and Lord of the Rings from Fantasy CC are also listed early among the entries before the first of the big Bridgwater clubs makes its appearance.

RENEGADES CC will be offering an unusual blend of the Reno party style and a futuristic technology - their Renobotics promises to be one to watch.

They will be immediately followed by the youngsters of Marina Sydenham JCC, bidding for more honours in the youngsters category.

Then it will be the turn of RAMBLERS CC, whose dazzling Bushido cart will be looking to the Orient for inspiration. Among the favourites, Ramblers will be bidding to repeat their triumphs of 2002 and 2003.

NEWMARKET CC will appear at number 60. They are a comedy highlight for many each year, and pick up plenty of cups - will their Dude Looks Like A Lady cart see them among the prizes again? Don't bet against it.

GRIFFENS CC will be inviting us all to a masked ball with their impressive Masquerade cart. Griffens are always among the top-ranked clubs, but have not triumphed outright since 1997 - can they change that on Friday?

It's the turn of tableau contenders WILLS CC at number 67. This year, the club promises to take us on a fearsome sea voyage among scary beasties, but beware - The Kraken Awakes.

The bloodthirsty crew of last year's County Cup winners GREMLINS will be looking to add to last year's trophy haul with Vampires this time around. Last year's cart will be a hard act to follow, but if anyone can do it, Gremlins can.

Three more of the juvenile contenders follow, with Burnham's Hillview at parade number 73 with Daddy Cool, North Petherton's Toppers putting on a Zulus show at number 76, and Bridgwater's Rainbow turning to TV favourite Dr Who at number 87.

CENTURION CC will be the next Bridgwater tableau cart on display, and their Egyptian-themed Pharoahs Through The Ages will be a delight for the crowds.

CRUSADERS CC are turning out a cart called Santa's Little Helpers - a Christmas cart, or named after The Simpsons' dog? We'll have to wait until Friday night to find out.

Another of the town's biggest clubs will be appearing at number 123, when MARKETEERS CC's Thor - God of Thunder cart comes into view. Accompanied by stirring music, this is likely to be a highlight - but let's hope it's not a portent for thundery weather.

Another Sedgemoor club, WESTONZOYLAND CC, will another club with a clever blend of ideas, as they invite us to a Devil's Disco. Made sure you wear your dancing shoes.

Here Comes The Circus at number 127, courtesy of Bridgwater favourites VAGABONDS CC. The crew has juggled a heavy workload to get this cart ready, with no time for clowning around.

It is then the turn of CAVALIERS CC, but their enigmatically titled What A Wreak gives little away - we'll have to wait until the big night to find out what treat the club is serving up this year.

A flavour of the Caribbean will then be dished out by BRITISH FLAG CC, whose cart Cariba - if tradition is anything to go by - is likely to be a colourful and energetic affair.

Seasonal chills are inevitable on Carnival night, and YMCA CC will be looking even further ahead with their Winter's Dream. Make sure you wrap up warm to enjoy this icy effort.

But fear not, for LIME KILN CC will warm us up again, fiesta style - their Mexicana cart promises to be one to watch out for.

And last but by no means least among the Sedgemoor clubs are the tableau crew from North Petherton, PENTATHLON CC. Quite what to expect from a cart called Tenochtitlan is anyone's guess, but judging by Pentathlon's previous form, it's bound to be a belter.

So there you go, a club-by-club preview of what to expect come Friday night - and they expect only one thing from us in return. A huge round of applause.

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