Wales begin their Nations Championship campaign with an “away” fixture against Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium as a new era for international rugby begins.

Louis Rees-Zammit is back on the wing after playing full-back during the Six Nations, with Blair Murray wearing 15.

The game kicks off at 2.10pm and will be televised on ITV. You can follow live updates below.

Fiji: Salesi Rayasi; Selestino Ravutaumada, Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo; Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani; Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Tim Hoyt, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Pita Gus Sowakula, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Peceli Yato, Simione Kuruvoli, Vilimoni Botitu, Kalaveti Ravouvou.

Wales: Blair Murray; Louis Rees-Zammit, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake (c), Dillon Lewis, Ben Carter, Adam Beard, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Ellis Mee.

The cans of what appears to be Red Bull and bottles of wine, as well as laundry detergent, were seized after officers visited a shop in Ancoats, Manchester.

They were there to investigate allegations that the business was reselling stolen items and found some of the cans had been marked with “SmartWater”.

This is a liquid that can mark goods without a visible trace, and which can later be identified by officers and retailers.

Greater Manchester Police’s force lead for retail crime, Superintendent Cara Charlesworth, said: “Retail crime remains a huge priority for Greater Manchester Police.

“We completely understand and appreciate the frustrations of businesses who experience issues with shoplifters, and we are constantly reviewing new crime-prevention methods that can aid our work.

More than 500 cans of energy drinks and 70 bottles of wine were seized (Image: GMP)

“As part of the action being taken across Greater Manchester, our local teams have been utilising multiple resources to prevent and deter shoplifters.

“This work has seen us secure nearly 4,000 shoplifting arrests over the last year, ranging from repeat offenders and opportunistic thieves to organised criminal gangs systematically stealing goods for re-selling purposes.

“One tool being used across our busy Manchester retail areas is ‘SmartWater’, a liquid that can mark goods and which can later assist in identifying stolen items.

“We have worked closely with local retailers as part of this scheme, and which has already produced multiple successful results, targeting gangs who are stealing from stores for illicit profit.

“In recent weeks, we have conducted several warrants and investigations across Manchester – including on one occasion when more than 500 energy drinks and 70 bottles of wine were recovered.

“These items were traced back to their original stores and we continue to work with those retailers to ensure we are providing all necessary support.

“By working with stores, workers, local partners, and communities in our areas, we will continue to take robust action to tackle retail crime and continue our trend of increased positive outcomes across Greater Manchester.”

In another investigation, a second-hand store was investigated and found to be selling suspected stolen goods.

Police say the suspected stolen items are in the process of being reunited with their owners, and officers are still investigating the full circumstances.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially married – and the first photo from inside their very private wedding has leaked, revealing how the couple transformed Madison Square Garden into their own ‘countryside retreat.’

After months of teases, rumors and conflicting reports, the couple finally married in front of 1,000 of their closest friends – including some of the world’s biggest stars – in a colossal blowout at the historic arena in New York City on Friday.

At exactly 7.30pm, the couple shared the news in blockbuster style, lighting up the iconic music venue with video ads which read ‘JUST&T MARRIED!’, a romantic nod to their shared initials.

And now, one of the A-list guests has offered a first glimpse into how the couple overhauled the space into their own fairytale wedding.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday morning, personal trainer Rob Jordan’s wife, Joann Jordan, shared photos of her and her husband taken on the day of the wedding.

One of the snaps showed the couple walking up the large staircase to the party, which was covered in a gorgeous, peach-colored velvet carpet.

Surrounding the stairs were light and dark pink curtains, making the space private and magical.

‘An unforgettable evening in New York celebrating the beginning of a beautiful new chapter for our dear friends, Travis and Taylor. Love was in the air, the city was magical and every detail was simply unforgettable,’ Joann Jordan wrote in the caption. 

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift married in front of 1,000 of their closest friends – including some of the world’s biggest stars – in a colossal blowout at the historic arena in New York City on Friday 

According to AMC CEO Adam Aron, MSG was completely transformed into a ‘secret garden’ for the couple.

In a now-deleted post on X, Aron shared every detail of the night, including the fact that Kelce wore a white tuxedo, while Swift was in a ‘stunning white wedding dress.’

‘It did not look like Madison Square Garden. Immediately upon entry, everything… floors, walls, ceilings… was draped in peach and white,’ Aron wrote, in part.

‘Large blown up pictures of Taylor and Travis at each age, year by year from one year-old to late teenager-hood, were on display,’ his messaged continued.

‘A small portion of MSG was cordoned off, devoid of any notion that that a basketball or hockey game ever shared that space. Somehow magically, someone created an outdoor garden at a lush countryside retreat.’  

‘Everything draped off this time in green and white. Real flowers and I think artificial trees welcomed fifteen rows of maybe 75 or so chairs. They say there were around one thousand attendees, but surprisingly, it all felt intimate and small. Everything was close.’

The CEO described the exchange of their vows as ’emotional’ and ‘charming.’

‘Long, entertaining, personal, charming, emotional, irreverent and endearing explorations by each as to how they met, why they want to be with each other for all eternity, the promises they made in joining their much-beloved two whole families (Kelce’s and Swift’s) as one, and committing to their new mutual life together,’ he wrote.

Tom Brady looked somber as he became one of the first stars to leave  

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Jessica Alba and Danny Ramirez also headed off before midnight

Karlie Kloss and her husband, Joshua Kushner, made a surprise addition to the guest list – after reports of a feud in recent years 

Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper were seen departing Madison Square Garden 

Billboards outside the venue revealed the news shortly after the couple said ‘I do’

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He emphasized that Swift and Kelce had clearly found their ‘soulmate’ in each other, and guests had witnessed ‘real’ and true ‘pure joy.’

Both the bride and groom were dressed in Christian Dior, Swift’s publicist announced after they said their ‘I dos.’

There were no bridesmaids. Instead, Taylor’s brother, Austin Swift, acted as her ‘man of honor’, and Travis’s brother, Jason Kelce, was the best man.

Jason’s daughters were the flower girls, tossing petals at Taylor’s feet as she made her way down the aisle with a string quartet playing one of her own songs.

The guest list included a dazzling array of the world’s biggest stars.

Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, Lena Dunham and Dakota Johnson were among the bride’s closest friends there.

Steven Spielberg was also in attendance, and Beyonce and Jay Z are also understood to have attended.

There was also Brad Pitt, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Hugh Grant, Graham Norton, Jessica Alba, Tom Brady, Chris Rock and almost every NFL player imaginable.

Millie Bobby Brown was also seen leaving the venue 

Travis’ dad, Ed Kelce, was seen returning to his hotel at the end of the night 

Zoe Kravitz, who is now engaged to Swift’s ex, Harry Styles, attended the wedding as well

Sports commentator Erin Andrews was also seen heading off to the venue on Friday afternoon

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The guest list also included Zoe Kravtiz, Graham Norton, Ethan Hawke, Nelly, Andrew Scott, Ice Spice, Kareem Hunt and Laura Dern.

Eagle-eyed fans clocked some surprise guests and notable absences.

Karlie Kloss, once known as one of Swift’s closest friends, attended with her husband Joshua Kushner.

Swift did not attend Kloss’s 2019 wedding after the pair had a rumored feud over the model’s close bond with the singer’s nemesis Scooter Braun.

Her inclusion on the guest list appeared to signal the pair had patched up their relationship.

However, there was no sign of Swift’s longtime pal Blake Lively, with whom the pop star had a purported falling out over her inclusion in the movie star’s legal battle with Justin Baldoni.

The gardener and social media star said this simple method could help eliminate ants within a few days during hot weather

A gardener has revealed a straightforward method for eliminating ants from your garden this summer. Ants typically become far more visible during the warmer months as higher temperatures increase their activity levels.

Spring and summer mark their primary foraging and breeding periods, while gardens offer abundant food sources including nectar, seeds, insects and the sweet honeydew secreted by aphids.

Featuring as a guest on the RHS Roots YouTube channel with presenter Jo Whiley, gardener Jonny Hincks provided viewers with a tour of his impressive Warwickshire garden. After complimenting his pristine lawn, Jo enquired about the “worst thing” that could affect it.

“I can’t imagine you get mould here,” she remarked while surveying the garden. “I don’t have mould, I get a few ants,” Jonny responded, leading Jo to confess: “I have a big issue with ant hills.”

Outlining his approach to addressing the issue, Jonny detailed: “So, what I do is, I have a terracotta pot and I turn it upside down and I put it over the actual mound itself.

“Now, the heat and the lack of sunlight causes the ants to build the nest higher.”

He went on: “Leave it for a few days and the heat, especially with this heat we’ve got at the minute, the heat draws the nest up.

“Take the terracotta pot off and then you can literally just shovel up the ants nest and move it somewhere else.”

The black garden ant (Lasius niger) is the most frequently encountered ant species across the UK. These ants usually establish their nests under paving slabs, in soil, flower pots, compost heaps and along lawn edges.

They pose no threat to humans and do not sting. Another widespread species is the yellow meadow ant (Lasius flavus). It constructs small mounds of earth in lawns and, due to its yellow appearance, is occasionally confused with a red ant.

Like the black garden ant, it presents no danger whatsoever, according to Gardeners’ World.

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The gardening website suggests there are various methods to deter ants from establishing nests in plant pots if they’re impacting your plants, beginning with consistent watering.

It explains: “Move on ants, by watering soil and pots regularly. Avoid completely flooding the pot, as this can kill the ants.

“But regular watering will let them know that the plant pot isn’t the best place to make a nest – as they do best in dry environments – so they will move their eggs elsewhere.”

Gardeners’ World also advocates companion planting, stating: “Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium, is a strongly scented herb that can deter aphids, reducing food sources for ants.

“Lavender plants can be a great option too, as the scent repels ants.”

More than 60 flights from Manchester Airport are delayed today (July 4) with some services running more than two hours late.

Destinations affected include a wide range of popular cities and holiday spots, such as Paris, Belfast, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Lanzarote and beyond.

A mix of airlines have seen their departures pushed back, including Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and easyJet.

The affected flights include both short-haul European destinations and longer routes, such as Qatar Airways’ service to Doha, which departed 64 minutes late, and Etihad’s flight to Abu Dhabi, which was running nearly two hours behind schedule.

Two departures to Copenhagen have been cancelled altogether.

Travellers bound for Greece also faced issues.

Flight schedules on the airport’s website showed disruption across the morning and early afternoon, with the longest delay recorded at 165 minutes on a Vueling service to Barcelona.

The full list of delayed flights (over 20 minutes) is as follows:

• Jet2 flight LS1795 to Kefalonia (EFL), scheduled for 06:35, departed at 07:04 with a delay of 29 minutes
• British Airways flight BA1379 to London Heathrow (LHR), scheduled for 06:45, departed at 07:10 with a delay of 25 minutes
• easyJet flight U22105 to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), scheduled for 06:45, departed at 07:16 with a delay of 31 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS8750 to Faro (FAO), scheduled for 06:45, departed at 07:28 with a delay of 43 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS987 to Faro (FAO), scheduled for 06:55, departed at 07:44 with a delay of 49 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS987 to Rome (FCO), scheduled for 06:55, departed at 07:46 with a delay of 51 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS879 to Alicante (ALC), scheduled for 07:00, departed at 07:32 with a delay of 32 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS1739 to Skiathos (JSI), scheduled for 07:00, departed at 07:52 with a delay of 52 minutes
• Lufthansa City flight VL2505 to Munich (MUC), scheduled for 07:00, departed at 08:14 with a delay of 74 minutes
• easyJet flight U22029 to Lanzarote (ACE), scheduled for 07:05, departed at 08:30 with a delay of 85 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS977 to Zakynthos (ZTH), scheduled for 07:10, departed at 08:36 with a delay of 86 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS901 to Almeria (LEI), scheduled for 07:15, departed at 08:22 with a delay of 67 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS1755 to Olbia (OLB), scheduled for 07:15, departed at 08:25 with a delay of 70 minutes
• TUI flight BY2686 to Pula (PUY), scheduled for 07:35, departed at 08:19 with a delay of 44 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS903 to Thessaloniki (SKG), scheduled for 07:45, departed at 08:41 with a delay of 56 minutes
• TUI flight BY2622 to Palma de Mallorca (PMI), scheduled for 07:45, departed at 08:56 with a delay of 71 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS803 to Barcelona (BCN), scheduled for 08:00, departed at 08:43 with a delay of 43 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS1775 to Palma de Mallorca (PMI), scheduled for 08:00, departed at 09:38 with a delay of 98 minutes
• Qatar Airways flight QR22 to Doha (DOH), scheduled for 08:05, departed at 09:09 with a delay of 64 minutes
• easyJet flight U22017 to Gran Canaria (LPA), scheduled for 08:15, departed at 09:13 with a delay of 58 minutes
• Ryanair flight FR553 to Dublin (DUB), scheduled for 08:20, departed at 09:00 with a delay of 40 minutes
• Aer Lingus Regional flight EI3611 to Belfast City (BHD), scheduled for 08:40, departed at 09:32 with a delay of 52 minutes
• KLM flight KL1030 to Amsterdam (AMS), scheduled for 08:55, departed at 09:22 with a delay of 27 minutes
• Helvetic Airways flight LX391 to Zurich (ZRH), scheduled for 08:55, departed at 10:14 with a delay of 79 minutes
• Aer Lingus Regional flight EI3321 to Dublin (DUB), scheduled for 09:10, departed at 10:08 with a delay of 58 minutes
• easyJet flight U22091 to Chania (CHQ), scheduled for 09:15, departed at 10:41 with a delay of 86 minutes
• Etihad Airways flight EY78 to Abu Dhabi (AUH), scheduled for 09:20, estimated departure at 11:19 with a delay of 119 minutes
• Ryanair flight FR4927 to Pafos (PFO), scheduled for 09:25, departed at 10:26 with a delay of 61 minutes
• SAS flight SK540 to Copenhagen (CPH), scheduled for 09:35, cancelled
• Ryanair flight FR6965 to Valencia (VLC), scheduled for 09:40, estimated departure at 10:50 with a delay of 70 minutes
• Finnair flight AY1362 to Helsinki (HEL), scheduled for 10:05, departed at 10:47 with a delay of 42 minutes
• Vueling flight VY8747 to Barcelona (BCN), scheduled for 10:20, estimated departure at 13:05 with a delay of 165 minutes
• easyJet flight U22207 to Espargos (SID), scheduled for 10:45, estimated departure at 11:22 with a delay of 37 minutes
• Luxaviation flight to Bergerac (EGC), scheduled for 11:00, estimated departure at 12:45 with a delay of 105 minutes
• Ryanair flight RK3232 to Malaga (AGP), scheduled for 12:00, estimated departure at 12:25 with a delay of 25 minutes
• easyJet flight U22165 to Amsterdam (AMS), scheduled for 12:00, estimated departure at 12:25 with a delay of 25 minutes
• Panaviatic flight VPC2 to Nice (NCE), scheduled for 12:00, estimated departure at 12:25 with a delay of 25 minutes
• Ryanair flight FR5624 to Pisa (PSA), scheduled for 12:05, estimated departure at 12:40 with a delay of 35 minutes
• IndiGo flight 6E9801 to Amsterdam (AMS), scheduled for 12:10, estimated departure at 12:35 with a delay of 25 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS939 to Innsbruck (INN), scheduled for 12:35, estimated departure at 13:11 with a delay of 36 minutes
• Ryanair flight FR2898 to Venice (VCE), scheduled for 12:50, estimated departure at 13:15 with a delay of 25 minutes
• easyJet flight U22073 to Santorini (JTR), scheduled for 13:40, estimated departure at 14:25 with a delay of 45 minutes
• KLM flight KL1034 to Amsterdam (AMS), scheduled for 13:45, estimated departure at 14:10 with a delay of 25 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS1727 to Antalya (AYT), scheduled for 13:45, estimated departure at 14:10 with a delay of 25 minutes
• TUI flight BY2630 to Heraklion (HER), scheduled for 13:50, estimated departure at 14:15 with a delay of 25 minutes
• easyJet flight U22053 to Mykonos (JMK), scheduled for 13:50, estimated departure at 14:17 with a delay of 27 minutes
• Pegasus flight PC1182 to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), scheduled for 13:55, estimated departure at 14:20 with a delay of 25 minutes
• easyJet flight U22269 to Pafos (PFO), scheduled for 13:55, estimated departure at 14:55 with a delay of 60 minutes
• easyJet flight U22057 to Heraklion (HER), scheduled for 14:35, estimated departure at 15:18 with a delay of 43 minutes
• Ryanair flight FR2252 to Lisbon (LIS), scheduled for 14:40, estimated departure at 15:05 with a delay of 25 minutes
• Ryanair flight FR3805 to Fuerteventura (FUE), scheduled for 14:40, estimated departure at 15:05 with a delay of 25 minutes
• Ryanair flight FR4052 to Faro (FAO), scheduled for 14:40, estimated departure at 15:05 with a delay of 25 minutes
• Ryanair flight FR3724 to Paris Beauvais (BVA), scheduled for 14:50, estimated departure at 15:15 with a delay of 25 minutes
• Ryanair flight FR3445 to Palma de Mallorca (PMI), scheduled for 14:55, estimated departure at 15:20 with a delay of 25 minutes
• TUI flight BY2648 to Pafos (PFO), scheduled for 15:00, estimated departure at 15:25 with a delay of 25 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS943 to Larnaca (LCA), scheduled for 15:35, estimated departure at 16:00 with a delay of 25 minutes
• Jet2 flight LS931 to Malta (MLA), scheduled for 16:20, estimated departure at 18:00 with a delay of 100 minutes
• SAS flight SK542 to Copenhagen (CPH), scheduled for 19:10, cancelled
• easyJet flight U22219 to Burgas (BOJ), scheduled for 19:45, estimated departure at 20:35 with a delay of 50 minutes
• TUI flight BY2672 to Palma de Mallorca (PMI), scheduled for 21:55, estimated departure at 22:15 with a delay of 20 minutes

As reported by The Press earlier this week, on June 19 East Riding of Yorkshire Council received a planning application to convert a vacant retail unit in Flemingate, Beverley, into a golf-themed sports destination.

No decision has been made on the application yet.

Flemingate features high street and independent retailers, restaurants, cafés and leisure attractions, all against the stunning backdrop of Beverley Minster. (Image: R & R Studio)

Professional golfer Sam Robinson and his wife Natalie said FORE! – the proposed venue’s name – will offer immersive sports gaming, crazy golf, and a social space for all ages.

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There are plans for the family-run venture to create a year-round destination for both serious golfers and casual visitors, the couple said.

Sam Robinson said: “FORE! would bring something completely different to Beverley, giving people the chance to try something new and exciting, even if they’ve never picked up a club before.

“We want FORE! to be more than somewhere to play golf.

“We want it to become a real social hub for the community – a place where people can catch up with friends, enjoy a drink, and have fun.”

The two-storey venue would feature four state-of-the-art golf simulator bays, including a VIP suite designed for larger groups, parties, and business events.

Professional golfer Sam Robinson and his wife Natalie are planning to launch indoor golf and entertainment venue FORE! at Beverley’s Flemingate centre – pictured here with finance director Chris Crookham and Head of Retail and Leisure Jason Platten, of Wykeland Group, owner and operator of the centre. (Image: R & R Studio)

Golfers would be able to practise on more than 500 virtual courses from around the world using advanced shot analysis technology.

The simulators would also offer interactive games and challenges for visitors of all ages and skill levels, making the experience accessible to everyone, Natalie said.

The proposed VIP suite would include a private lounge area with comfortable seating and a big screen, creating an exclusive setting for celebrations, networking events and corporate hospitality.

Upstairs, visitors would be able to enjoy a nine-hole crazy golf course, with a themed design to be revealed nearer the opening date, the couple said.

The upper floor would also include a bar and a relaxed seating area for socialising.

Mr Robinson, who has been a professional golfer since 2006 and has competed on the European Challenge Tour, would offer a limited number of coaching sessions at the venue, if the plans are accepted.

The coaching programme would also include dedicated ladies’ and junior sessions, delivered by other coaches.

Flemingate, owned and operated by Hull-based Wykeland Group, is home to a mix of high street and independent retailers, restaurants, and leisure attractions.

Jason Platten, head of retail and leisure at Wykeland Group, said: “FORE! would complement Flemingate’s existing retail and leisure offer perfectly.

“As an innovative, independent venture, it would bring something new and distinctive to Beverley, attracting a broad range of visitors and adding another reason for people to spend time at Flemingate.”

Antonelli wasted little time in breaking the one-second gap to Hamilton – in which drivers can deploy “overtake mode” and was able to surge to victory by nearly three seconds, setting the fastest lap on the final lap.

“Kimi, well done. Did the fastest lap make you happier at the end?” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff asked him.

“Yeah it made me happier,” came the response.

McLaren’s Lando Norris was a distant, albeit encouraging third, ahead of George Russell, who will be increasingly concerned at his inability to match his Mercedes team-mate so far this weekend.

The fans at Silverstone will also be a bit deflated at what this result might mean for Sunday’s feature race.

“It’s tough race to keep the Mercedes behind,” Hamilton admitted. “I did say that would potentially be the case, and also [there was] a big big headwind down the back straight and he came flying past. 

“Once he got the overtake mode I couldn’t hold him back. As soon as that was lost, I knew he was coming.”

Qualifying for the main race takes place at 4pm UK time.

British Grand Prix, sprint classification

1. Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes 8pts
2. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 7pts
3. Lando Norris, McLaren 6pts
4. George Russell, Mercedes 5pts
5. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 4pts
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 3pts
7. Oscar Piastri, McLaren 2pts
8. Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls 1pt

Darlington Market’s Street Food Hall is throwing open its doors on Sunday night, giving supporters a chance to watch England’s last-16 clash on the big screen.

The Market Tap Bar will open at 8pm on Sunday (July 5), giving fans time to settle in, grab a drink, and enjoy food from the market’s independent street food traders before kick-off.

The first game on the big screen will be Brazil v Norway at 9pm, followed by England v Mexico at 1am on Monday (July 6) – with the match taking place at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

(Image: HARRY FUTERS)

England vs Mexico – what you need to know

England qualified from the group stage and now face Mexico in the last 16 in what promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.

(Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The match will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Darlington Market fan zone details

Bar opens: 8 pm, Sunday, July 5

Brazil vs Norway kick-off: 9 pm

England vs Mexico kick-off: 1 am, Monday, July 6

The market said: “Get your friends together, wear your England colours, and cheer on the Three Lions with us.”

Will you be heading out to watch the football or staying in? Let us know in the comments.

The plans for the 250th anniversary of the American revolution, which kicks off in earnest on July 4, have drawn media scrutiny in the US. One issue has been the subject of recurrent discussion: the role of President Donald Trump.

Behind this scrutiny is the claim that Trump is co-opting the anniversary for his own agenda. His administration’s alleged sidelining of the non-partisan “America250” commission, which was established by Congress in 2016, in favour of his rival “Freedom 250” organisation has drawn particular comment.

The 250th anniversary, it seems, has become a hotly contested battleground.

This is not entirely without precedent. As historian Michael Hattem explains in his 2024 book, The Memory of ‘76, Americans have long argued over the revolution’s lessons and legacy. This can be traced to the late 18th century, when US politics began to assume some of the adversarial qualities all too familiar today.

In the 1790s, the arguments were generally between Alexander Hamilton’s Federalists and Thomas Jefferson’s Democratic-Republicans. For Federalists, who were keen to rebuild the relationship with Britain, July 4 celebrations often emphasised order and strong government.

For the Democratic-Republicans, however, the anniversary offered an opportunity to criticise what they saw as Federalist fealty to Britain. The result was that July 4 commemorations often became highly partisan.

Competing claims on July 4 recurred in subsequent decades, especially during the 1850s when sectional tensions between the north and south worsened. At the centre of these tensions was slavery.

For African-American abolitionists, the ideals articulated by the Declaration of Independence provided weapons with which to attack the evil of slavery in the south. The most powerful example of this was an 1852 speech given by Frederick Douglass in which he pointedly asked: “what to the slave is the fourth of July?”

The outbreak of civil war in 1861 further intensified the sectional divide over July 4. Many white southerners even drew parallels between the south’s status in the union and that of the 13 American colonies in the British empire.

According to this view, just as American colonists had been oppressed by the “tyranny” of Britain’s King George III – who they held responsible for the imposition of taxes and restrictive legislation – so was the south similarly oppressed by the north’s refusal to countenance the expansion of slavery.

By tracing this connection, historian Paul Quigley notes that these southerners used July 4 to present “themselves as the real Americans and northerners as traitors”. This was the memory of 1776 used to justify secession. The view of the then-president, Abraham Lincoln, was of course the complete opposite. For him, it was the union which was the true heir to the ideals of July 4.

Yet more arguments over the revolutionary past followed during the centennial of 1876. The anniversary came amid an economic recession and towards the end of the period known as “Reconstruction”. This period had seen the federal government readmit southern states into the union while also attempting to secure the rights of the formerly enslaved.

For some white northerners, the centennial was seen as an opportunity to promote reconciliation with the south. One consequence of this was that African-American contributions to the revolution were marginalised, something black communities in turn actively contested.

Attempts by local elites to dominate July 4 commemorations in cities like Boston similarly provoked pushback from recent immigrants and minority groups determined to ensure their inclusion in the commemorations. As a result of these tussles, the centennial of 1876 was marked by what historian Jack Noe has called “the deep sectional, partisan and racial divisions of an unreconciled nation”.

The 1976 bicentennial

Similar to its predecessor, the 1976 commemorations followed an enormously divisive conflict: the Vietnam war. And, again like the 1870s, the anniversary also unfolded during an era of economic uncertainty. An oil crisis in 1973, caused by an embargo imposed by oil-producing countries in the Middle East, was quickly followed by a recession that lasted until 1975.

There were even accusations of corruption levelled at the Bicentennial Commission, which had been created to plan the 200th anniversary, and linked to the activities of the Nixon administration. The commission was dissolved in 1973 and replaced by a new organisation called the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration.

The bicentennial was thus another fraught anniversary. There were high-profile events in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, some of which were attended by Queen Elizabeth II at the invitation of the then-US president, Gerald Ford.

Following the social unrest of the Vietnam era, as well as the political turmoil of the Watergate Scandal which had led to the resignation of Richard Nixon as president in 1974, many Americans found escape in patriotic nostalgia. The anniversary even drew interest abroad. One small village in northern England, Warton in Lancashire, marked the occasion with a ten-day party due to its ancestral connections to George Washington.

Elsewhere though, the 200th anniversary again revealed domestic division. From the left came criticisms of excessive commercialisation, with historian Jesse Lemisch identifying a slew of what he called “bicentennial schlock”.

In some American towns and cities, meanwhile, commemorations likewise exposed discord. In Boston, for instance, the anniversary became tied up with local tensions linked to the desegregation of schools.

The revolutionary past has long been a contested battleground in the US, particularly during periods of partisan politics, social tumult and economic uncertainty. In this regard, the 250th anniversary has much in common with its predecessors.