Fireworks over the East River lit up the Brooklyn Bridge on Thursday night in the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show, a display said to be one of the biggest in the country.
70,000 shells launched from the bridge and four barges, synced up to famous music from classic American cinema, the theme of the 43nd annual fireworks show. The display featured hit songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and the “Star Wars” theme song.
Crowds of spectators lined the FDR Drive to see the show, which used the bridge as the backdrop for the first time since 2014.
As they waited for the show to start, people watched NYPD helicopters in a procession along the river. Security and counter-terrorism units were out in full force as spectators lined the river.
Coney Island hosted its own fireworks show, the annual Steeplechase Spectacular Fireworks Show.
STREET CLOSURES
Several streets and roadways are closed until 1 a.m., or until cleanup is complete:
The FDR Drive in both directions from the Battery Park underpass to Houston Street
South Street in both directions from Montgomery to State Streets
Front Street from Old Slip to Dover Street
Eastbound and westbound Brooklyn Bridge traffic