Happy Independence Day! New York and Washington lead the nation in Fourth of July fireworks celebrations

By FIONA ROBERTS

Red white and blue: Fireworks explode over the Hudson River in New York


The nation's most extravagant display of July 4 fireworks was a triumphant celebration that turned solemn briefly to commemorate the 10-year mark since the September 11 attacks.

Tens of thousands of people from all over the world streamed to Manhattan's West Side to see the pyrotechnics show over the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey, featuring more than 40,000 shells exploding in choreographed, multicolored progression.

The show, sponsored by Macy's, paid tribute to the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty's début in New York Harbour. Fireworks blasted off from six barges along the river to heights of 1,000 feet.


Cheer up, it's a party! President Barack Obama picks up a child as he greets military families during Independence Day celebrations on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington


As 'Amazing Grace' was sung, bursts of golden fireworks lit up the sky to pay tribute to victims of 9/11. Big cheers broke out in the crowd during the finale.

Today President Barack Obama hosted a barbecue at the White House, while thousands of revellers camped out by the Washington Monument to catch a glimpse of the annual fireworks display.


Big Apple: The Empire State Building is illuminated with red, white and blue lights from across the East River in New York


Capitol: The Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington is lit up as fireworks burst in front of the Washington memorial


Spectacular: A view of fireworks above the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial and Memorial Bridge on the National Mall in Washington


'It's beautiful,' said Rosa Riveras, a 57-year-old health educator from northern Manhattan, as bursts of light filled the sky.

'It's amazing. I'm loving it.'


Stunned: Spectators watch fireworks explode over the Hudson River from 42nd street New York


Star-studded event: Beyonce rehearses before the annual Macy's fireworks show in New York tonight, in which 40,000 fireworks exploded from the Hudson


NBC ran an exclusive broadcast from a pier along the river, with Nick Lachey of the show The Sing-Off hosting.

Viewers got pre-recorded performances by Beyonce, filmed in front of the Statue of Liberty, and country music star Brad Paisley.

Then the fireworks lit up the sky, tightly choreographed to a half-hour soundtrack from Katy Perry, LeAnne Rimes, Jennifer Hudson and other artists.

Beth Cochran of Scottsdale, Ariz., was with two childhhood friends from Fishkill, N.Y. The group of three periodically broke into renditions of 'God Bless America' and other patriotic songs.'


Gaze: People watch as fireworks are shot over the National Mall in Washington, DC from along the shore of the Potomac River


Getting ready: A military colour guard prepares for the playing of the National Anthem during the Boston Pops Fourth of July concert rehearsal last night


Thanks: U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle stand with U.S. servicemen


The president and first lady Michelle Obama greeted more than 1,200 guests from a White House balcony Monday evening. After brief remarks, the first couple stood in the driveway and shook hands with visitors.

'You represent the latest in a long line of heroes who have served our country with honor, who have made incredible sacrifices to protect the freedoms that we all enjoy,' Obama said.

'You've done everything we could've asked of you,' he said, also recognizing the 'families that serve alongside of you with strength and devotion.'

This is the third year the first family has celebrated July Fourth with service members and their families.


Walkabout: President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk from the Truman Balcony as they go to greet members of the crowd


Go Bulls: President Obama greets a man who identified himself as a fellow Chicagoan at the White House's Independence Day barbeque


Heave! President Obama holds up a baby as he greets members of his staff and military servicemen and women


Our nation tis of thee: Young woman roar with delight as they await fireworks near the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington DC


Distant celebration: U.S. soldiers eat a Fourth of July-themed lunch in honour of Independence Day at Camp Clark in Mandozai district, Khost province, Afghanistan


Celebration: U.S. soldiers cut an Independence Day cake in the Mandozai district, left, and right, outgoing U.S. commander General David Petraeus gives a speech to 235 soldiers re-enlisting in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. It's his last Fourth of July in uniform


Far-flung patriotism: U.S. guided-missile destroyer U.S.S McCampbell (DDG 85) sails past the Opera House in Sydney, Australia on the Fourth of July


Obama told his guests Monday that the occasion was 'a chance to get out of the uniform, relax a little bit and have some fun.' Red, white and blue lanterns decorated trees on the South Lawn and miniature American flags adorned more than 50 tables spread across the yard.

Children wearing face paint in the patriotic colours played with balloon animals. Providing the music for the celebration: rock band Train, singer-songwriter Amos Lee and the U.S. Marine Band.

The concert was presented by the USO in its 70th year of providing support for Americans in the military.


Iconic: Fireworks illuminate the night sky and are reflected in the Potomac River with the Washington Monument


The scorching heat has put a dampener on July the Fourth celebrations in the South and West, after firework displays were cancelled in many towns in New Mexico, Texas and Georgia amid fears they could spark wildfires.

Instead, they joined millions who tuned in to the New York show, entitled 'Gift of Freedom', in which more than 40,000 fireworks were ignited on floating barges on the city's West Side.

Stars including Beyonce and Brad Paisley performed, in a display which paid tribute to the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.


Stunning display: Light from the fireworks show on the roof of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is reflected in the water


Starting early: Tourists watch Independence Day weekend fireworks explode over Caesars Palace in Las Vegas as the Bellagio fountain show plays in the foreground


Patriotic day: Caden and Lauren Lackey, both five, watch the LibertyFest Fourth of July parade in Edmond, Oklahoma



Small town, big party: A couple kiss during the Independence Day fireworks display in Independence, Iowa


Performers also commemorated the tenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with an emotional rendition of Amazing Grace.

Bill Schermerhorn, the show's creative director, said: 'Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has proudly stood in New York Harbor at the gateway to the American dream.

'This year's show will reflect both the united pride of our nation and the variety of our dreams, with light-hearted celebratory songs and emotional patriotic standards. It's a birthday celebration for all of us.'


World-famous contest: A huge crowd gathers to watch in Coney Island as the extreme eaters battle it out for the the hot dog eating crown


Extreme eating: Sonya 'The Black Widow' Thomas, right, triumphs against Juliet Lee after eating 40 hot dogs at the annual contest in Coney Island


Champions: Joey 'The Jaws' Chestnut and Sonya 'The Black Widow' Thomas celebrate after winning the men's and women's competitions at Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, New York


Getting into the holiday spirit: Spectators gather with patriotic t-shirts and flags before the start of the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island, New York


Anticipation: Excited fans gather to see if Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut can claim the hot dog eating title for the fifth consecutive year


Meanwhile in Coney Island, the biggest eaters from around the world will gather for the annual Nathan's July Fourth hot dog eating contest. For the first time, the firm will sponsor separate competitions for men and women, who will split the $20,000 prize money.

Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut of San Jose, California, will be hoping to claim the title for the fifth consecutive year. Last year he wolfed down 54 hot dogs and buns in the ten-minute contest.

Celebrations also started early in Afghanistan, where the outgoing U.S. commander, General David Petraeus, marked his last Fourth of July in uniform by speaking to his troops during a re-enlistment ceremony in the south of the country.


4th of july .. in new york ! independence day fireworks !




Macy's 4th of July Fireworks 2011 in NYC


Teen Beat NYC


4th of July Fireworks New York City



source: dailymail

Mystery death of Cameron's top Tory ally found in portable toilet at Glastonbury Festival's VIP area

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Shock: Christopher Shale is believed to have died from a heart attack but the definite cause is unknown


Christopher Shale was chairman of the West Oxfordshire Conservative Association

Festival organiser Michael Eavis told it was 'a suicide situation'

Tory sources: Chairman died from a heart attack

David Cameron describes him as a 'big rock in my life' who has 'suddenly been rolled away'

Death came hours after it emerged Mr Shale had authored damning report saying 'there's no reason to join the party'

David Cameron's constituency chairman was found dead in a portable toilet in the VIP area at Glastonbury today.


Devastated: A private ambulance believed to be carrying the body of Mr Shale is driven out of the VIP backstage area at Glastonbury music festival


Christopher Shale, chairman of the West Oxfordshire Conservative Association, was discovered dead by police at around 9am.

The festival's host Michael Eavis said he was told by police it was 'a suicide situation'.

However, Tory party sources said they believed he had had a heart attack but the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Mr Eavis, 75, spoke of his sadness over the death during a press conference held earlier today.


Make way: Security lift up barriers so the private ambulance can leave the festival area


The farmer said: 'Apparently I'm told it was a suicide situation in the early hours of this morning. It was in the Winnebago area.

'It's very very sad - I can't say too much about it."

Mr Shale, who is married with children, had been staying at a luxury £10,000 Winnebago compound just yards away from top celebrities like Kate Moss.

It is understood his family was with him. A distraught woman wrapped in a blanket - believed to be his wife Nikki - was comforted by police at the scene. Two teenage boys were also at the scene.



VIP: The Pyramid Arena, where a number of celebrities have been staying, is closed off by police


Inspector Chris Morgan, from Avon and Somerset police, refused to confirm or deny that the victim had committed suicide.

He said: 'We are not [officially] naming the gentleman at this moment because we believe there are members of the family that have not been told.

'I am aware that there has been some speculation that the gentleman has committed suicide. We are not saying that at this time.


Cordon: The body was found in a luxury Winnebago by a worker this morning


Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eavis speaks to the media this morning after Christopher Shale was found dead in a toilet


'We are still working on establishing a cause of death at this very early stage.

'We believe the alarm was raised by a member of staff who was working on the site.

'There are some family members here now but I believe there are other family members who have yet to be informed.'

David Cameron has already released a statement in which he described Mr Shale as 'truly generous'.

'Sam and I were devastated to hear the news about Christopher,' he said.

'He was a great friend and has been a huge support over the last decade in west Oxfordshire. A big rock in my life has suddenly been rolled away.


Thousands watch on the Park Stage where Pulp were performing yesterday. More than 137,000 people will attend the festival this weekend


'Christopher was one of the most truly generous people I've ever met - he was always giving to others, his time, his help, his enthusiasm and above all his love of life. It was in that spirit that he made a massive contribution to the Conservative Party both locally and nationally.

'Our love and prayers are with Nikki and the family. They've lost an amazing dad, west Oxfordshire has lost a big and wonderful man and like so many others Sam and I have lost a close and valued friend.'

A police cordon, guarded by at least eight officers, was put up around the backstage shower and toilet area as an investigation into the death of the 55-year-old got under way.

The camping area where festival production teams and some performers stay was also blocked off.

A host of celebrities were closed within the cordoned off area. Wayne and Coleen Rooney were understood to have been camping in a nearby luxury RV.

Mr Shale was believed to have been staying in a Winnebago next to the Times columnist Caitlin Moran.


David and Samantha Cameron were close friends of Mr Shale, the Prime Minister said today. Right, a policeman takes notes as an investigation is launched in the VIP area at the Glastonbury site


Coldplay perform on the pyramid stage last night hours before the senior Conservative was discovered dead


The writer tweeted: 'Woke up to find the man in the Winnebago next to us died. Bit of a grime start to the morning.'

Revellers reacted with shock as they were told the area was 'a crime scene'.
Tom Waite, 35, from Cheddar, was among those staying in the VIP area. He said: 'It's just awful for his family.'

The Mail on Sunday today revealed how Shale had made a scathing attack against the Conservative party and the difficulties it faces in trying to recruit new candidates.

In a strategy document, seen by the paper, he said: 'There's no reason to join [the party]. Lot's of reasons not to.'

In a sign of how hard the party is finding it to attract new members, the document concedes that the Prime Minister’s own association gained only 22 members in the past year.

Security had already been heightened at Glastonbury in the area where Mr Shale was found dead for the arrival of American megastar Beyonce.


source : dailymail

Violence breaks out as protesters seek to shame Bono over failure to pay tax in Ireland as he headlines Glastonbury

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Clash: Security staff and members of direct action group Art Uncut tussle over a 20ft balloon during last night's performance


Violent scenes broke out in the crowd at U2's long-awaited Glastonbury debut last night as a protest against the Irish band's tax status was foiled by security guards.

As Bono and his bandmates took to the Pyramid Stage, activists from direct action group Art Uncut inflated a 20ft balloon emblazoned with the message 'U Pay Your Tax 2'.

But as the campaigners tried to release the balloon over the 50,000-strong crowd, a team of ten security guards wrestled them to the ground before deflating the balloon and taking it away.

The intervention by security after U2's opening song Until The End Of The World sparked angry clashes with 30 or more protesters.

One security guard told a photographer to 'go away', adding: 'If you are press, I'll have you.'

Several protesters were pinned against a fence near the Pyramid Stage after attempting to hold on to the balloon. There were no arrests.


Facing the music: U2 frontman Bono sang through the protest


One of the campaign group members said: 'That was totally over the top. He threatened to hit me.'

Another said: 'Political activism used to belong at Glastonbury. This was all going to be completely peaceful.'

A handful of U2 fans looked on open-mouthed and booed as the security guards swooped.
Gary Noble, 45, from Eastbourne, said: 'It was all a bit shocking. I love U2 but I think everyone should pay their taxes. The campaigners have a right to voice their opinion.'

U2 rattled on through their set of smash hits, with the only inconvenience for Bono being the rain fogging up his trademark sunglasses.



Getting the message across: The 20ft balloon created by protest group Art Uncut


Art Uncut had been hoping to spark debate around big-earning stars' duty to pay taxes in their native country.

Campaigner Charlie Dewar said: 'U2's multi million-euro tax dodge is depriving the Irish people at a time when they desperately need income to offset the Irish government's savage austerity programme.


Pop music: The giant balloon eventually burst after being seized by security officials


'Tax nestling in the band's bank account should be helping to keep open the hospitals, schools and libraries that are closing all over Ireland.

'Bono is well-known for his anti-poverty campaigning but Art Uncut is accusing him of hypocrisy.'

The opening night of major acts, which saw revellers drenched in rain for the third day running, proved to be one of political activism.

Morrissey had drawn cheers from the audience after calling Prime Minister David Cameron a 'silly twit' for opposing an outright ban on wild animals in circuses.


Rocking and rolling: The security team eventually managed to take the balloon away


Introducing the classic Smiths song Meat Is Murder, he hailed MPs' support this week for a prohibition.

The singer condemned Mr Cameron over claims he tried to bully one MP into dropping the plans, saying: 'What a silly twit.'

Radiohead were unveiled as last night's secret act on the Park stage, with frontman Thom Yorke telling fans: 'We're here to get in free.'

He added: 'We asked Emily Eavis if we could get in free and she said, 'Will you play?
'We like it here as much as you do.'


Close to The Edge: The protesters attempt to lift the balloon near the stage where U2 were performing


Uplifting: One protester lunges at a security guard while spectators look on


The relentless rain has seen Worthy Farm become Britain's biggest mudbath - but the weather will dry up tomorrow, forecasters said.

Among the 170,000-strong crowd on the 900-acre site were Wayne and Coleen Rooney.

The footballer and his wife sparked a media frenzy as they joined the party.

Despite the rain and dark clouds, Rooney wore dark glasses as the couple walked arm in arm wearing matching Hunter boots.



The show must go on: While U2 managed to complete their performance, the band's fans were shocked at the way the protest was put down


Rooney, who had his hood up after recently having a hair transplant, was seemingly in good spirits after returning from a break in Barbados to travel to Somerset.

The 25-year-olds were believed have shunned a tent in favour of VIP treatment in a top-of-the range motorhome.

Moroccan act Master Musicians of Jouhouka and rapper Chipmunk got proceedings under way.

But the showers came back with a vengeance when the likes of rappers Wu-Tang Clan came on stage in the afternoon.

Marc Argent, 32, from Street, Somerset, was one of hundreds gathered around the Pyramid to perform a welly stomp dance in the quagmire.

He said: 'It's great to see it all under way. It's muddy but it is still magical.'

Forecasters say that today and tomorrow should be largely dry, with temperatures possibly topping 25C (77F).

Coldplay and Beyonce are the remaining headliners.


U2 - Glastonbury 2011 Part One - Even Better Than The Real Thing - The Fly - HD


U2 - Glastonbury 2011 Part Two - Mysterious Ways - Until The End Of The World - HD


U2 - Glastonbury 2011 - Part Three - One - Where The Streets Have No Name - I Will Follow - HD


U2 - Glastonbury 2011 - Part Four - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - Stay


U2 - Glastonbury 2011 - Part Five - Beautiful Day - Elevation - HD


U2 - Glastonbury 2011 - Part Six - Get On Your Boots - Vertigo - HD



source: dailymail