MORE than 5,000 revellers will enjoy one of the biggest parties in Bermuda's history tomorrow night in the name of "celebrating freedom" and "giving back to Bermuda".

And many thousands more will be able to watch a massive fireworks display light up the night sky over Dockyard during the celebration of American Independence.

Collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and party organisers the American Society and the US Consulate have ensured that there will be free ferries and express buses laid on to take revellers to the West End in an attempt to cut down on potential traffic congestion.

Guests attending the festivities at Moresby Plain, adjacent to the Ireland Island Rangers football pitch, have been urged to use public transport.

Cindy Campbell, of the American Society, described preparations for the event as "organised chaos" this week, as thousands poured into the Visitors Service Bureau in Hamilton to pick up their party packs.

The logistics of the party are mind-boggling: 580 volunteers, 35,000 drinks, 25,000 pounds of ice, every tent that it's possible to hire on the island, 55 local charities showcasing themselves and eight live bands.

Eighteen committees, covering every aspect from mass transit to field entertainment, have worked for six months to prepare for the biggest American Independence celebration the American Society has ever attempted.

Dozens of sponsors have weighed in with donations amounting to a six-figure sum to support the party and to donate to charities. And the Government has lent its support in the form of free transport.

As well as games for children, there will be gambling ? with fake money ? for adults, with some unusual prizes to be won at the Crown & Anchor and blackjack tables.

"We have an American football bearing the words, 'To my friend George Bush, from Joe Montana'," Ms Campbell said.

US Consul General Gregory Slayton added: "We also have a bag of goodies from the White House. This is not stuff that tourists can buy or even things that the average ambassador can get.

"I think we have an Air Force One hat signed by Ronald Reagan, mugs and Air Force One pens.

"The goal is to bring the US and Bermuda together and we're already doing that."

The fun will start at 5 p.m. and run through until 10 p.m.

Fast ferries will be laid on from Hamilton, St. George's and Rockaway and extra buses from 3 p.m. onwards will take revellers from St. George's and Hamilton.

There will be free parking at the Number One Shed in Hamilton to further encourage partygoers to use the public transport.

All those wearing an American Society wristband ? which is in the party pack ? will be entitled to use the free transport.