AMERICA’S Independence Day does not immediately seem to have too much in common with Bridgwater.

However next month those across the pond won’t be the only ones celebrating July 4 as Bridgwater Arts Centre has chosen the date for the first ever Bridgwater Big Bash.

The event will feature music, food, drink, comedy and a wide variety of stalls in a street party aimed at celebrating Bridgwater’s ‘independent spirit’.

Kate Goodale , Bridgwater Arts Centre artistic manager, said: “We lost our funding a few years ago and for a while we weren’t certain whether the Arts Centre would be able to continue.

“However, we’ve all been in this journey together and we’ve managed to pull ourselves out of a scary moment and the Big Bash will be a celebration of that.”

The one day free party, set on Castle Street just off the West Quay in the town centre, will also offer workshops and activities for kids and adults, acomedy-athon plus a few more surprises, according to Kate.

She added: “Bridgwater’s Big Bash is all about celebrating the Bridgwater community and most importantly, its independent spirit.

“Whether you want to take your kids out for the day, you want to sit and have a cuppa in the peace gardens, bang some drums for a couple of hours, or dance in the sun to some cracking live music, then this day has something for everyone.”

The event will be opened by Laura James, presenter from Breeze fm at noon.

The headline acts are local heroes Shoot the Moon, reggae superstars Talisman and high energy gypsy act Ferocious Dog, who will be closing the day.

Visit bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk/events/event/bridgwaters-big-bash