US Independence Day 250th celebrations: explained

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, a sweltering heatwave is threatening to overshadow a Fourth of July celebration that will feature 850,000 fireworks and a president vowing to deliver a ‘really long speech’ to show he can ‘do anything’ in the scorching temperatures. The main event — the Salute to America 250 Celebrations & Fireworks — will take place on the National Mall in Washington DC, with President Donald Trump expected to speak at around 9:45pm local time. The day’s festivities have been organised by a White House-backed public-private partnership and will include military flyovers every hour between 1:15pm and sunset, including one featuring Trump’s new Air Force One. But organisers have cancelled earlier events due to forecasts of extreme heat — temperatures could hit 42°C — and evening thunderstorms may disrupt the fireworks. The anniversary marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, formally breaking ties with Britain. The date has always been a patriotic holiday, but this year’s celebrations have become politically charged. Trump has used the occasion to warn of what he calls domestic ‘radicals’ and ‘extremists’ in a speech at Mount Rushmore, and he has been accused by opponents of politicising the event. Several music acts dropped out soon after being announced. The event also coincides with the football World Cup being held in the United States, drawing international visitors. For UK readers, the anniversary is a reminder of the historical ties between the two nations — the US declared independence from Britain — and a chance to observe how American patriotism is being framed during a divisive election year, with mid-term elections approaching in November. The extreme weather adds a practical concern: how a major outdoor event handles record-breaking heat, especially with security restrictions banning items like sunscreen, bug spray and umbrellas from the National Mall.