The spectacular Boston fireworks will again illuminate the sky over the Charles River for hundreds of thousands of spectators on July 4. A free Boston Pops concert at the Hatch Shell accompanies the annual light show, featuring conductor Keith Lockhart leading the Pops orchestra with special guests Jennifer Hudson and Micheal Chiklis. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. with the National Anthem and includes a fly-over of fighter jets from Hanscom Air Force Base.

WBZ-TV Boston will broadcast the show beginning at 8 p.m. and CBS begins a national broadcast at 10 p.m., thirty minutes before the fireworks launch. Tchaikovsky's explosive 1812 Overture is the evening’s finale, complete with dramatic drumrolls and real cannon fire, as church bells ring throughout the city. 

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to find a viewing spot on either side of the river. Those wishing to see the concert should make their way to the grassy area in front of the Hatch Shell as early as 9 a.m. on July 4. Many of the prime riverside viewing spots for fireworks, especially on the Boston side, fill up by late morning or early afternoon.

For more information visit the official event web site July4th.org.