London on the Fourth of July

E-mail or call the U-S embassy in London. They should be aware of those sorts of events going on...maybe you'll get an invite to their embassy party!

Been in London over the 4th of July on two occasions. It is just another day of week. Beside, I don't think it would be polite to remind the Brits of their defeat.

I don't think your going to find any 7/4 celebrations inside the very country we are celebrating our independence from. BUT if there were, it would be listed in that weeks edition of Time Out London. Check out this site: http://tinyurl.com/5zsfxu

The Canadian embassy in Paris has special events for Canadians in Paris on July 1 (Cdn Nat'l Holiday) so surely the American Embassy in London would do something similar. Perhaps you could also google "American expats in London" and see what comes up.

There are 3 chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution in the UK. They all celebrate US holidays. One chapter in particular, is contacted by the US Embassy to participate in commemorative events. One is in London, one in Westminster (sounds like London to me) and one is in Washington (!) which is in North Yorkshire to serve N England and Scotland. I know the one in Washington celebrates the events for the community, so all are invited. Try contacting the Emabassy and see if there is anything scheduled.

I know the Sons of the American Revolution also has Chapters in the UK. I guess you could try googling it.

I was in london on a very hot 4th of July. There were many events in the Victoria station area. The funniest thing was that they have huge '4th of July' store sales. I found that kind of interesting. The shopping ads in the papers could have been here in the states w/the excepition of the Pound Sign. Too funny. We had the best time in London celebrating our nations b-day. The locals were fantastic as well.

We forgot our sparklers in Ireland, however, when we got back to Ireland we lit them one night walking from the pubs in Kinsale to our B&B, of cours that was way before 9/11.

Considering the 4th of July is the americans celebrating independence from Britain, I doubt (other than private ex pat american parties) that there will be a public celebration!!!

A quick Google search for "London expat" came up with a number of hits, you might find something there. But, most likely, you'll have better luck (and more fun) to just find a bunch of Americans to meet at a pub that evening. Buy a local a pint and ask "no hard feelings for the revolt?" and you'll probably get a smile and good conversation in return. Likewise in France, buy them a glass and say thanks for your help with our revolution.

I spent the 4th in Venice quite a few years back and went to a "red white & blue" party (hosted by a group of Australians) and had a great time and found that people all over the world need barely an excuse to have a celebration.

I would urge caution.

If you ARE determined to celebrate this day on English soil then make sure you are in a like-minded group and well away from anyone to whom you could cause offence.

This is one event that would cause a little chill in what are normally very friendly relationships between the English and our very welcome American cousins.

Thanks to all who responded. While I was not able to find anything directly, I did email an expat group for info.
Al- It never occured to me that 200+ years later, people could still be offended or insulted by a such a celebration. So a special thanks to you for reminding me that while 200 years ago is a long time ago here, it is less long ago on your side of the Atlantic.

I have to check and see if this idea is listed in Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People." LOL.

One of the rules of travel, I believe, is to respect the nation you are visiting and not acting like an ugly American,

Would you like it if visiting Vietnamese tourists in the U.S. celebrated the fall of South Vietnam and the defeat of the U.S. on April 30th?

Would you like it if British tourists in Washington DC on August 24th celebrated the day the British burned down the White House during the War of 1812?

Kind of insulting? Tacky?

What can be more fun is finding out if there's a local holiday being celebrated wherever you're visiting and join in the celebration.

BTW....if a store in London has a "Fourth of July" sale it's because they know it will attract US tourists and their dollars.