On Friday 4 July, as millions of Americans celebrated 'Independence Day', thousands of citizens across the UK held their own parties at US military bases (Fairford, Plymouth 1, 2, 3) as part of 'Independence from America Day'.

One of the main events was the 'Gatecrashers Ball' held at the US’s Menwith Hill Spy Base, near Harrogate in North Yorkshire, and hosted by the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB). In beautiful weather, between 400 and a 1000 people attended the good-natured, musical, peaceful protest party in imaginative ball gowns and masks, and top hats and tails.

However, as usual, chaotic policing led to three arrests and the walk around the base being curtailed. Police also closed off the public footpath for no stated reason. One of the arrestees was detained for 'assaulting a police officer' whilst apparently trying to protect his partner from pushy police. Another was chased and arrested for refusing to remove their mask, and the third arrest was for trespass.

There is an appeal for witnesses.

The demonstration was reluctantly ended at about 7.30 pm.

CAAB have issued a statement damning the policing of the event and other reports have commented on the intimidatory display of guns. Reports: (1), (2), (3); pics (1), (2).