Thousands of people gathered in the US capital to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday in a day that was marked by extreme weather, delays, and a huge display of fireworks.

The celebration, which included a flyover, a concert, as well as a speech by US President Donald Trump, was delayed by a thunderstorm that forced an evacuation of the National Mall in the early evening.

The night ended with the skies being lit up by the reputed largest fireworks display ever in the US.

The 4 July federal holiday commemorates the 13 US colonies signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to end British rule.

BBC correspondent Richard Preston attended the celebrations.

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