Early showers did not stop over 4,000 people from celebrating Independence Day at Moresby Plain, Dockyard on Saturday.

A spectacular 30-minute fireworks display ? which US Consul General Gregory Slayton called the largest ever seen in Bermuda? capped off a blockbuster event that featured an incredible amount of food, games and music.

St. Paul A.M.E. Pastor Lanel Guyton said he enjoyed watching the events with his family and called it a great opportunity for fun and fellowship. "It is an excellent example of what democracy can bring," Pastor Guyton said. "It is a coming together of people of all nations and ethnicities, which is a great thing."

Fellow American Cynthia Williams said the party was exactly like July 4th celebrations back home.

Spectator Keith Lovell said while the food and music was great there were plenty of activities to keep children amused.

"It is a lovely atmosphere," Mr. Lovell said. "The rain has not dampened things at all."

On Saturday night the US Consul General said an estimated 4,200 people came to the event called "Celebrating Freedom ? Giving Back to Bermuda".

Organisers prepared for 6,000 ticket-holders of the sold-out show to come to the west end on Saturday, but despite a period of inclement weather until sun-set Mr. Slayton said it was still the biggest 'by invitation-only' party ever held here.

"Everybody is walking away from here saying this is the best Fourth of July party they have ever been to," the Mr. Slayton said. "At the end of the day it is all about creating friendships and relationships.

"The relationship between America and Bermuda goes back 230 years so I couldn't be happier at how this celebration went."

Family tickets cost $50, or the annual membership price for the American Society, while employees of 52 corporate sponsors ? including premium level sponsors, ACE, Allied World Assurance Company, Bacardi and XL ? also turned out in high numbers.

Around 500 volunteers from 54 local charities worked hard to run a plethora of games from 'funny money' bingo and crown anchor to basketball and bouncy castles.

The charities also provided plenty of information to ensure party-goers would volunteer to help future worthy causes.

"The most important thing of course was that it wasn't just enjoying ourselves. There was also a noble purpose to it," the US Consul General said.

"Each charity is going to getting a cheque depending on how many people they had volunteer. We will be giving away a total of just about $100,000."

The US Consul General also thanked his 20-strong team for organising free mass-transit, food for 6,000 and security for the celebration.

Premier Alex Scott told the audience that this was an extraordinary way to celebrate America's birthday, however, joked that relations between the US and Bermuda were put to the test when he had to miss a Brazil football match to be at the party.

Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert said despite being a dependent territory, the Island and its western neighbours had long enjoyed a good relationship.

"We helped them to win the war of Independence despite being British at the time," Mr. Furbert said. "The turnout despite the rain was excellent. I suspect some people are still out there crying over Brazil."

However, the irony of holding an Independence Day freedom celebration right next to Westgate Correctional Facility did not escape the Consul General's attention.

The main stage was yards away from H.M. Prisons 'Do Not Enter' signs that warned that razor wire was extremely dangerous.

"We sent a bunch of food up the guys at Westgate," he said. "We did not want to leave those guys out."

Telecommunications and E-Commerce Minister Michael Scott added: "The juxtaposition of a celebration of freedom next to Westgate is just serendipitous at best."

The Bermuda Regiment Band and Corps of Drums, and Place's New Generation Gombeys also wowed the crowds.