Thousands of Americans headed to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to watch one of the country's biggest fireworks displays to mark Independeence Day.

Many communities were forced to cancel their annual July 4th displays due to dry conditions or a weak economy.

The fireworks lit up the sky over the Washington Monument as the National Symphony Orchestra simultaneously delivered a signature Independence Day rendition of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture".

The American crowds enjoyed the party in sweltering temperatures of 38 degrees celcius.