Celebrations in Manchester include a huge fireworks display at Castlefield, while up to 10, 000 people will watchaparade and the lighting of a beacon at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland.
An IRS employee who worked in the Cincinnati office said staff would gather outside the office once a year to watch the opening-day parade for the Cincinnati Reds.
"Not on our watch, " the crowd began chanting as aparade of speakers lined up for their turn on a stage on the National Mall, the Capitol serving as a backdrop.