Americans welcomed 236 years of independence in spectacular style on Wednesday with dazzling displays of fireworks held across the country.
Though many of the festivities were cancelled or scaled down due to weather-related power outages and wildfire concerns, it was business as usual in New York as the Manhattan skyline was lit up to the delight of the thousands who lined teh streets and millions watching at home.
Despite a day-long heat warning, thousands of revellers flocked to Manhattan’s west side to view the incredible Macy’s fireworks display, where a feat of pyrotechnics erupted over the Hudson River.
Meanwhile, millions at home watched Katy Perry give a star-spangled performance in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, donning her uniform of a purple ponytail and an American flag mini-dress and singing the aptly named hit Firework. Country music sensation Kenny Chesney also performed.
Scroll down to watch the Independence Day fireworks
New York symbol: The Empire State Building, illuminated with red, white and blue lights, is seen from the Queens, back-lit by fireworks over the Hudson River during the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show
New York state of mind: The fireworks display, as seen from Queens, can be seen over the top of the buildings
Star-spangled star: Pop sensation Katy Perry was joined by her crew of military-style dancers and performed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in a previously recorded segment
Captivated: Spectators watch as fireworks light up the sky over the Hudson River; the area is closed off after a certain time, so many viewers braved the heat to secure a spot
Patriotic: John Meeks, 16, with Boys Ranch Town, carries an American flag on horseback during the LibertyFest Fourth of July Parade in Edmond, Oklahoma
On the west side: Spectators watch over Hudson Yard in New York as fireworks light up the
sky over the Hudson River
Back in the saddle: TV personality Regis Philbin, 80, seen July 4 with U.S. Naval officers, hosted the 36th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
Lest we forget: A firework flash lights the sky over Washington, as seen from the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Virginia
A night of song: Left to right, Nick and Joe Jonas, Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson of the Roots, and Queen Latifah all performed during the Philadelphia celebration
Commencing celebrations: US President Obama waves from the balcony of the White House with first lady Michelle Obama after delivering remarks to an Independence Day picnic on the South Lawn
Pomp and circumstance: Guests at the Independence Day celebration for military members, their families and members of the administration were treated to several performances by a brass band
Yee-haw: Mr Obama puts on a red, white, and blue hat, while visiting with service members
Obam-ha: The president enjoys a hearty laugh while mingling with guests on the South Lawn
USA: Showing off her famously toned arms, first lady Michelle Obama high-fives a young girl during the celebration
Address on the fourth: With Lake Winnipesaukee in the background, presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, accompanied by his wife, Ann, address a crowd after they walked in the Fourth of July Parade in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
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