US Consul General Gregory Slayton is looking forward to tonight's July 4 celebration — which is completely sold out.

The annual celebration, the largest July 4 party outside the United States with more than 7,000 guests, is being held tonight at Moresby Plain, Ireland Island North.

The celebration will feature events and entertainment, including the African Dance Company, the Warwick Gombeys, the Prestege Band, and a 28-minute fireworks display.

Yesterday, this newspaper mistakenly reported that tickets were still on sale, but tickets to the event had already sold out in May, with only confirmed guests collecting their tickets.

An army of volunteers representing more than 60 charities will be helping to put the event together, with each of the charities earning between $500 and $4,000 in donations for their part, along with potentially attracting more volunteers or donors.

Last year's celebration attracted around 6,000 guests, taking part in face painting and football clinics with the Bermuda Hogges, all while enjoying a BBQ buffet, with stalls serving ice cream, snow cones and doughnuts.

The event last year raised around $100,000 with the assistance of around 40 charities, but this year's event looks to be bigger and busier. To help ease the congestion potentially caused by the crowd, the Ministry of Transport is providing free buses and ferries from St. George's, Hamilton and Rockaway for those wearing the events wristbands.

Because of the high expected turnout, the US consulate asks that partygoers utilise the free transport as much as possible.

There will also be free parking at No. 1 shed between 6 p.m. and 12.30 a.m. for confirmed ticket holders, but drivers are reminded that the parking lot will be locked at 12.30 p.m. There will be no admittance for anyone without an official American Society wristband.