In pictures: The US celebrates its 250th birthday

Millions of people across the United States have been marking a very special birthday, as the country reached 250 years since it declared independence.

The anniversary, known as Independence Day, featured huge parades, colourful fireworks and plenty of events in towns and cities throughout America.

From spectacular displays at famous landmarks to music concerts and even a hot dog-eating contest, people of all ages came together to enjoy the country's history and culture.

Here are some of the biggest and brightest moments from the 250th anniversary events across the US.

Thousands of events were held across the US to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's independence from Britain.

The Royal Air Force's world-famous Red Arrows helped mark the historic birthday by taking part in an international flypast.

The world-famous aerobatic team flew in precise formation above New York harbour - leaving behind them trails in the shape of the US flag.

New York was also the setting for an international naval flotilla on the Hudson River.

A fleet of tall ships and naval vessels representing over 20 countries from around the world sailed on the river and saluted the Statue of Liberty to celebrate the day.

Community events, such as neighbourhood parades, barbecues, picnics and fairs, are also a big part of the day, especially in smaller towns and cities.

People line the streets to wave flags and cheer, with many dressed in red, white and blue - the colours of the US flag.

What's a party without food!

On New York's Coney Island, they celebrate US Independence Day with an annual hot dog eating contest.

This year's winners were crowned after eating 63 and 40 hot dog respectively, in ten minutes.

On the west coast of America in San Francisco, the audience were treated to a musical performance in Golden Gate Park.

The event also saw it's first-ever patriotic dog costume contest.

Very fetching!

Live music is everywhere on 4 July.

Many cities host free outdoor concerts where people can bring blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy the show.

These girls look as if they're having a really good time at Philadelphia's festival, in the north-east state of Pennsylvania.

In America's top baseball league, playing games on Independence Day is a long-standing tradition and one of the league's main dates.

July 4 is usually one of the highest-attended dates of the regular season because it's a public holiday in the country.

Teams often hold special pre-game events featuring huge US flags and singing the national anthem before games, with many ballparks hosting fireworks shows afterwards.

A number of events this year across parts of the east coast and midwest of the country were cancelled or postponed, due to extreme heat.

In the capital Washington DC temperatures hit 37C as the main celebrations got under way.

The celebrations went into the night in the city, with US President Trump giving a speech, followed by a grande finale of spectacular fireworks.