July 4th: Eight ways to celebrate US Independence Day in the UK

Paint the town red, white and blue on the Fourth of July with these fun events

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For Americans, the Fourth of July represents liberation from the British Empire, and an exciting new chapter for their nation’s future.

While the historical events that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 pit the Americans against who they saw as their British oppressors, that doesn’t stop people in the UK from joining in the annual festivities.

Some may choose to visit George Washington’s ancestral home in Oxfordshire on Independence Day, while others may opt to eat their body weight in pancakes and hot dogs in celebration.

From film screenings to rib eating competitions, here are eight ways that you can get into the red, white and blue spirit this week:

1. Indulge on American cuisine

Many associate America with huge portions of flavoursome, saucy food, such as hot dogs, mac and cheese and buffalo wings.

If you head over to Shoreditch in London this Wednesday, you’ll be able to sample your fair share of greasy food while also taking part in an assortment of fun activities.

The Fourth of July event is being hosted by Frank’s RedHot and French’s Mustard at Last days of Shoreditch on Old Street.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the food, with eateries such as Crust Bros, Cheeky Burger and Smokey Trails in attendance.

For the price of £7.04 per person, you’ll also be able to show off your beer pong skills and dance along with the cheerleading squad that will be performing.

For more information, click here.

2. Go on a cultural journey

Described as being the “only museum of Americana outside the United States”, the American Museum in Bath will be celebrating Independence Day in a number of ways.

On the Fourth of July, the institution will be putting on an evening of entertainment with performances by country band The Danberry’s and folk singer Sarah McQuaid.

The event, which costs £15 to attend, will take place from 7pm until 10pm.

Furthermore, admission to the museum is free of charge from 10am until 5pm on 4 July.

However, that’s not all. On Saturday 7 July the museum will be continuing its frivolities with an Independence Day weekend, taking place from 10am until 4pm.

The event, which costs the same price as normal admission to the museum, will feature barbecues, baseball, music and much more.

For more information, click here.

3. Take a trip to Hollywood

Nothing represents the glitz and glam of Hollywood more like a night at the movies.

On Wednesday evening, Merchant Square in Paddington, London will be hosting a free screening of the Oscar-winning film La La Land, starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.

Blankets will be provided at the event, which will start at 6pm and end at 8pm.

For more information, click here.

4. Discover the history of George Washington

While the majority of people will have learnt about the history of George Washington, who became the first ever President of the United States in 1789, few may be aware that his family actually came to the States from England.

Washington was born in 1731 on the Popes Creek Estate in Virginia.

However, his great-grandfather John Washington had immigrated to Virginia 75 years prior from Sulgrave, England.

Sulgrave Manor and Garden, which was built by Washington’s five-times great grandfather Lawrence Washington in the mid-1500s, still stands today.

On Sunday 8 July, the estate will be holding a day of celebrations, with games for all the family to enjoy and American-inspired food.

Admission will cost the standard rate with an addition £1 charge for some activities.

For more information, click here.

5. Unleash your competitive side

Ready to see if you’ve got what it takes to be dubbed a true, honorary American?

The Big Easy Bar.B.Q and Crabshack in Covent Garden, Canary Wharf and on the King’s Road in London will be putting their customers to the test this Independence Day with the restaurant’s annual rib eating contest.

10 men and 10 women will battle it out in an effort to come out on top against their competitors.

The restaurant’s current rib eating record is nine ribs in 30 minutes.

For more information, click here.

6. Paint the town red, white and blue

The Shoreditch Pub Crawl, which takes place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in East London, has organised a Fourth of July special this Wednesday.

Starting from Sink Bar on Paul Street, the crawl will include free entry to four or five London clubs and pubs and four or five free shots throughout the night.

Plus, you’ll be treated to free Independence Day paraphernalia. What more could you want?

The crawl costs £10 for early bird tickets, £13 for standard tickets and £15 for tickets sold on the door.

For more information, click here.

7. Take part in tradition

The Washington Old Hall, a manor house overseen by the National Trust, is another ancestral home of George Washington located in the UK.

The house, which was first built in the 12th Century before being renovated in the 17th Century, was the home of the Washington family before they moved to Sulgrave Manor in 1613.

On the Fourth of July, a traditional flag raising ceremony will be taking place at 11am on the estate.

The celebrations of the US holiday will also include presentations about the historical event from local schools and live music.

Standard admissions prices will still apply to attend the event.

For more information, click here.

8. Have fun with Franklin

The Benjamin Franklin House, located near Trafalgar Square, London on Craven Street, is the only surviving former residence of Franklin, who was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

The house is regarded as being extremely significant, having been listed as a Grade I building on the National Heritage List for England.

On Independence Day, you’ll be able to enjoy a 30-minute tour of Franklin’s former home for the price of £10, with refreshments such as cake and bubbly included.

For more information, click here.