NEARLY ten per cent of the island's population are expected to attend what's been billed as "the biggest party in Bermuda's history" on July 1 ? and around 60 local charities are set to benefit.

The hosts are the US Consulate and the American Society and the occasion is a celebration of American Independence.

Around 70 of the 300-plus volunteers from numerous charities who will be working at the event gathered in Charities House this week for an organisational briefing.

Up to 6,000 people are expected to descend on Dockyard for the spectacular event on Moresby Plain. The Ministry of Transport will provide a free fast ferry service from Hamilton, St. George's and Rockaway, and there will be free parking in No. 1 Shed on Front Street, as well as express buses to the event, in an attempt to minimise traffic congestion.

Eight live bands will play, food will be provided by the MEF Group and there will be Crown & Anchor tents, as well as a wide range of entertainment for youngsters. The event will be staged between 5 p.m and 10 p.m.

And US Consul General Gregory Slayton said he would encourage each guest to give support of some kind to at least one charity and it was his intention to make the charity-based July 4 party an annual event.

Cindy Campbell, of the American Society, said the massive party, accompanied by what is thought will be the biggest fireworks display in the island's history, will have a double theme.

"It's a celebration of freedom and it's about giving back to Bermuda," she told volunteers. "People died for our freedom and, for that great gift, we have an obligation to use that freedom to give back to the community. Freedom comes with responsibility."

Corporate sponsors among more than 50 companies backing the event have already forked out $100,000 and proceeds after expenses will go to at least 55 local non-profit organisations.

Ms Campbell, who is co-chair of the Society's July 4 Celebration Committee, said dozens of volunteers had put in hundreds of hours over the past six months to make the event a reality.

"It's been a huge effort involving a lot of people," she said. "We wanted it to be more than just a party. We wanted it to benefit the community. I didn't want to be approaching corporate sponsors just to pay for a big party.

"It's going to help foster the relationship between the American community and Bermuda and everyone will benefit. Our aim was to ensure that each charity would gain at least $500 from this and it looks like we will achieve more than that.

"It's certainly the biggest event the Society has ever staged and it will be the biggest barbecue Bermuda's ever seen."

All the charities participating will have a small display to show the work they do and will be signing up volunteers and donors.

"I will be encouraging each guest to choose a charity to support," Mr. Slayton said. "When you look at the people involved in this thing, it is a group that's representative of the whole island. There are people from all political parties, religions and races.

"One of Bermuda's great strengths is the incredible range of charities. What we are also seeing is the incredible support of corporate Bermuda, particularly our main sponsors, including Ace, XL, Awac, Bacardi, Aon, and Renaissance Re."

Anyone who would like to attend the party should log onto the American Society's web site, www.americansociety.bm to download a membership form.

One of the charities to benefit will be the Centre For Philanthropy and its executive director Pam Nolan praised Mr. Slayton's initiative.

"It's great that Gregory Slayton has such a passion for Bermuda that perhaps has not been so evident among some of his predecessors at the US Consulate," Ms Nolan said.

"I think his personal history, helping people in the Philippines and India shows how philanthropic he is. This will be a fun event that will bring 6,000 people together and give non-profit organisations an opportunity to raise awareness. Gregory and the American Society should be applauded for their efforts."