The largest Independence Day celebration outside of the United States looks to be bigger than ever this year with an anticipated fireworks display lasting almost half an hour.

Each year the event is hosted locally by the American Society of Bermuda, a Bermuda-registered charity founded in 1953, and the American Consulate with the aim of fostering friendly relations between Bermuda and the US.

More than just a good time, the July 4 celebration, which will be held on June 28 this year at Moresby Plain in Dockyard between 6 and 10 p.m., is about raising funds for charities on the Island.

The theme this year is: "Celebrating Freedom, Giving Back to Bermuda" and at a press conference on Monday US Consul General Gregory Slayton said he was looking forward to an even better celebration this year.

He said: "We are sold out as of today. But for next year we encourage everyone to sign-up as part of the American Society today. You don't have to be American.

"Last year this was the largest July 4 celebration outside the US. That's a real testament to Bermuda and our corporate sponsors and the non-profits.

"We had something like 40 charities and raised something like $100,000 last year."

The money raised through the event will be divided among the participating charities depending on the number of volunteers they provide the event.

Each charity will then receive anywhere between $500 and $4,000 towards the important work they do on the Island.

Brad Woodings, project co-chair, said everyone who enjoyed the 26-minute firework display last year should be excited for the 28 minutes they have lined up this year.

Also taking place in the event this year are a host of entertainers including the African Dance Company, the Warwick Gombeys, Prestege Band and Ed Christopher as the MC.

Free public transportation will again be provided to make sure everyone can attend the event with as little stress as possible.

Mr. Woodings thanked the Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport, Ewart Brown, for the help with the buses and ferries.

The Premier, who is an honorary co-chair for the event said: "The two countries have been long-time friends.

"On a personal level I always look forward to the Fourth of July to see American and Bermudian families interacting together. This holiday is one of my wife's favourites, which means it is one of my favourites too."

Opposition leader Kim Swan is also an honorary co-chair for the event and said that the day was an important one not just for the US but for the world.

He said: "I am personally delighted to be the honorary chair of the July 4 celebrations. It's an important day in your history but also for the world as it remains a model of freedom.

"As a Bermudian, I am proud of this relationship and proud of our friendship. We look forward to celebrating Independence Day with our US friends."

The four premium sponsors of the event were represented at Monday's press conference by: Ralph Richardson, executive director, ACE Foundation, Michael Brennan, president & CEO, Bacardi International Ltd, Neill Currie, president & CEO, Renaissance Reinsurance and Philip Cracknell, vice president of project management, XL Foundation

Gold Sponsors include: AIG, Arch Capital Group, Butterfield Bank, Endurance, Fidelity, Flagstone Re, Montpelier Re and Platinum Re.

For more information go to: http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov or www.americansocietyofbermuda.com