4th OF JULY IN THE UK
WHAT: 4th OF JULY IN THE UK
WHEN: SATURDAY 4TH JULY 2015
WHERE: ALL OVER THE WORLD
WHY: CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY (NOT THE WILL SMITH MOVIE)
As we all know, America is a BIG country and according to one US website, the population as we speak is around 325,000,000 this figure does not include the 6.3 million Americans based in other countries across the world.
In the 2011 census it estimates 177,000 American ex-pats reside in the UK. The majority of Americans based in the UK are Military personnel, the largest cluster based near to the R.A.F bases of Mildenhall & Lakenheath, make up almost 18% of the population of those areas. Although we speak the same language, (sort of) there are many differences between the two nations.
Many Americans believe you can only purchase fireworks in the UK in November and for New Year’s Eve, definitely not the case as we sell fireworks every day of the year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day.
A recent survey of what Americans like about the UK threw up some surprising results. The top ten things liked were:
1. Our accent: American’s simply LOVE the British Accent (even when it’s pure Yorkshire).
2. Hospitality: It may be the case that the further north you travel, and the better you will be welcomed, Yorkshire folk are world-renowned for our friendliness.
3. Sincerity: Americans who vacate to the UK, have the impression we are a shy, quiet race, stiff upper lip and all that, but happily find that is not the case, if you receive a compliment from a Brit, you can be sure that it’s genuine.
4. “Gun culture” or lack of it: Firearm related deaths in the US at present number around 33,000 in the UK it is just 68, don’t bring your guns with you, you won’t need them here.
5. Humour: Our sense of humour is on the list at number 5, which was a surprise; I didn't think they got it...
#Sick #Movember #EpicFireworks A photo posted by Epic Fireworks (@epicfireworks) on
6. History: Americans love history and what they find incredulous is that in most of the UK there are buildings in villages that outdated the age their country!
7. Royal ties: “Have you met the Queen” was a question I was asked more than once in my time there. Americans love our Royal family just as much as we do.
8. Europe: Links to Europe which was number eight on the list. When you consider that in the US, the territory is so vast they have 6 time zones (counting Hawaii & Alaska) it amazes them that they can be in Paris, France in 2hr 15 minutes whereas in some parts of America it can take you that to get to the next town!
9. Grocery stores: If you have ever been in a Walmart or similar in the US you will have noticed, they are massive. On average, a Walmart store will have 197,000 square feet of retail heaven, some as big as 260,000 square feet, the average for the UK is 2,400 square feet. So it was a shock to learn they prefer our smaller outlets and find them more homely.
10. And finally Bonfire night and fireworks: The laws regarding fireworks in the UK are a lot less severe than in the USA. For example, US fireworks are limited to 500 grams of powder, whereas some of our bigger barrages contain over three times that amount. Our Awaken boasts 1.8 Kg of high quality 1.3G powder. (Please note - If you are resident in Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey or New York, fireworks are banned to the general public).
Epic Fireworks Stash :) A photo posted by Epic Fireworks (@epicfireworks) on
In fact, there are very few states that have as relaxed laws as we do. We are able to let off fireworks any day of the year between 7am and 11pm with extensions on certain nights such as New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and bonfire night.
Although we cannot export to the US, we regularly get requests to supply Americans over here for various occasions from weddings to birthdays and of course the fabulous forth. So, why not make the best of the time while you are here so when your friends tell you of their 4th of July experiences, just remind them how powerful the pyro is over here, and literally blow them away.
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