Independence Day, which is colloquially known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States. People across the country spending today celebrating one of the largest historical events for the country with parades, barbecues, picnics, family reunions and fireworks. Patriotism grips the nation for the day marking the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence. But for those in the UK, where is best to celebrate Independence Day, and why does the US actually celebrate the Fourth of July?
Where can you celebrate Independence Day in the UK?
While Independence Day is America’s way of remembering how its people were liberated from the rule of the British Empire, many Britons enjoy participating in the festivities.
For those that do, here is a list of some of the activities that you can do to celebrate the day.
The American Museum and Gardens in Bath
The American Museum is hosting an Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 6. The event will include a barbecue, live music and a workshop from American bluegrass band Man without a Horse.
It will run from 11am to 4pm and normal admission fees apply on the day.
Standard admission for the museum, exhibition and gardens costs £13 for an adult and £7 for a child, while standard admission for access to the gardens costs £7.50 for an adult and £5 for a child.
Independence Day pub crawl
A Fourth of July-themed bar crawl is being held in London on Thursday, July 4.
It is the eighth annual Independence Day pub crawl with London Party Pub Crawl which attracts hundreds visiting venues across the capital.
The bar crawl provides free access to bars, free shots and the chance to compete in beer pong matches.
Tickets cost between £12.50 and £25 and the event begins at Tiger Tiger in Haymarket, London.
Fourth of July party with French’s and Frank’s Redhot
On Thursday July 4, American sauce companies French’s and Frank’s RedHot are taking over street food market Dinerama, based in Shoreditch Market in east London.
Buffalo chicken strips, vegan burritos and chicken wings will be available to eat.
While conventional American games including beer pong and foosball will be paid.
Tickets for standard entry, which include a free Goose Island American Pale Ale upon entry, cost £12.
Benjamin Franklin House
The Benjamin Franklin House near Trafalgar Square in London is listed as a Grade I building on the National Heritage List for England.
It is the only surviving former residence of American founding father Benjamin Franklin.
On July 4, visitors can enjoy a 30-minute tour of the residence with cake and a glass of bubbly.
Tickets cost £10 per person to attend the event, and the time slots available on the day are 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3.15pm and 4.15pm.
Balthazar restaurant in Covent Garden, London
Balthazar restaurant is hosting a week-long celebration which began on June 29 and ends on July 6.
During the week, the restaurant is serving up meals and drinks from their famous American menu and cocktails.
Washington Old Hall
Every year on the Fourth of July, the Washington Old Hall in Tyne and Wear hosts a traditional flag-raising ceremony.
The National Trust oversees the manor house which is one of the British ancestral homes of George Washington.
The house was first built in the 12th Century and was renovated in the 17th Century.
It was the home of the Washington family before they moved to Sulgrave Manor in 1613.
This year’s flag-raising ceremony is due to take place at 11am, with a day of celebrations being hosted at the house from 10.30am-3pm.
Standard admission to Washington Old Hall costs £6.70 for an adult and £3.35 for a child.
Film Festival
To celebrate Independence Day, Everyday Cinema in Granary Square in King’s Cross, London, is screening the 1996 classic of the same name.
As part of its second annual Summer Love Festival, the film starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum, is being screened at Granary Square’s outdoor cinema on the fourth of July.
The film will start at 5pm and end at around 6.30pm and is free to attend.
Tickets are no longer available online, but if you head to the screening early enough, you should still be able to grab a bean bag and enjoy the film.
Rib-eating competition
Big Easy Bar.B.Q and Crabshack is hosting its 28th annual rib-eating competition on the Fourth of July.
Those who believe they have what it takes to eat a mountain of ribs can take up the challenge at the Big Easy restaurants in Chelsea, Covent Garden and Canary Wharf in London.
The first prize winners will be awarded two VIP tickets to Jack Daniel’s Presents Secret Gig on Thursday October 17.
What is Independence Day?
Independence Day held each year on July 4 celebrates the American colonies severing ties with the British in 1776.
It all began in December 1773, when American patriots disguised as Mohawk Indians threw 342 chests of tea belonging to the British East India Company from ships into the Boston Harbour.
In retaliation, the British Parliament instituted the Intolerable Acts in 1774, which closed down Boston’s port, rendered the Massachusetts government useless, and gave protections to British troops while in the American colonies.
This bred deep resentment and led to the formation of the First Continental Congress, who met in Philadelphia in September 1774 and wanted to end the British rule to establish themselves as an independent group of colonies.
In October 1774, the Congress petitioned the British Crown for a redress of grievances accumulated since 1763, and to force compliance, calling for a general boycott of British goods and eventual non-exportation of American products, except rice, to Britain or the British West Indies.
This led to the start of the US War for Independence, which did not conclude until October 1781.
On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress made its decree for freedom and two days later they formally adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
This declaration was used throughout the American Revolution to inspire troops to continue fighting.
Nowadays, the Fourth of July has come to be known as the country’s birthday.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1148549/4th-of-july-2019-fourth-of-july-celebrations-uk-why-does-the-us-celebrate-independence-day
2019-07-04 06:32:02Z
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