Happy 4th July! Here’s how American Independence Day 2017 is being celebrated in the UK
AMERICANS might mark the Fourth of July to celebrate their independence from the British Empire.
But that doesn't mean that Brits can't get involved in marking the day. Here's all you need to know.
What is Independence Day?
Independence Day celebrates America’s independence from the British Empire.
The British had inhabited America since 1587 and exploited their resources such as tobacco and tea.
Tensions began to rise between the British and Americans as the British Government pushed for their own financial gain and continued to exploit American goods through taxation.
Founding Father and head of the Sons of Liberty organisation, Samuel Adams, and his men boarded three ships in Boston harbour and threw 342 chests of tea overboard.
Violent acts often arose from the tension, most memorably an incident that became known as The Boston Tea Party in 1773.
In 1775, the 13 colonies that made up America declared a war of independence against Britain and on July 4, 1776, Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence.
How is American Independence Day 2017 being celebrated in the UK?
Even though the day is effectively a celebration against Brits, there are still various events taking place across London to mark US Independence Day.
One is at Benjamin Franklin House near Charing Cross Station, where they are holding a party, that includes cake, booze and an American quiz.
In Hyde Park, there will be a Major League Baseball event, where people can give the American sport a try.
Coaches from the Boston Red Sox and LA Dodgers will be on hand to give out advice in the free event, which runs from 5 to 10pm.
An Independence Day pub crawl is also taking place and starts at Rileys Sports Bar in Haymarket.
But if you can't get to these events, you can always celebrate the day at home by firing up your BBQ and enjoying burgers and hot dogs while decorating the place in red, white and blue.
How do Americans celebrate Independence Day?
Fourth of July celebrations have taken various forms across the centuries.
In Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1777 there was a salute with 13 shotguns in the morning and evening of July 4.
And in 1778, then general of the revolutionary army, George Washington, doubled his troops rum ration for the festivities.
Nowadays, fireworks are one of the most common ways to celebrate Independence Day.
Displays are held in every major city and the White House also puts on its own show on the South Lawn.
Generally, Fourth of July is a time to spend with family and friends, eating BBQs, watching firework displays and parades while surrounded by a large quantity of red, white and blue, stars and stripes themed paraphernalia.