BOSTON — The Charles River Esplanade is prepared to welcome hundreds for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on Tuesday night. The process is a labor of love and the end results of months of planning, security officials said in a press conference Friday morning.
“To those planning on coming to Boston Tuesday, I want to assure you we are preparing to welcome you to the special celebration,” said Gina Kwon, undersecretary at the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
Agencies such as state police bomb squads, K9 units and drones will patrol the land, sea and air to ensure everyone in attendance will be able to celebrate America’s birthday safely. Spectators will have to pass through metal detectors and bags will be checked by security to enter the esplanade.
“Each of the gifted professionals you see will bring diverse expertise to the shared purpose of a superb evening sharing patriotism and love of country,” said Kwon.
Although security will be extensive, spectators are also asked to help smooth the process. Visitors should bring as little as possible, to stay alert and report any suspicious activity and to stay hydrated.
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular can be viewed on Bloomberg TV and heard on Bloomberg radio from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
Keith Lockhart will once again conduct the Boston Pops with performances including patriotic favorites and the perennial musical finale, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, followed by a thrilling fireworks display over the Charles River beginning at about 10:30 p.m.
This year’s Spectacular will feature an impressive lineup of guest artists, including award-winning R&B group En Vogue as headliners.
En Vogue has sold 20 million records worldwide and has won seven MTV Video Music Awards, three Soul Train Awards, and two American Music Awards, in addition to earning seven Grammy Award nominations.
En Vogue is known for hits like “Hold On,” “Free Your Mind,” “Never Gonna Get It,” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” “Don’t Let Go,” and “Whatta Man.”
Other guests slated to take the Esplanade stage:
- Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez
- Country duo LOCASH
- Three cast members from the Pops’ recent concert presentation of “Ragtime: The Symphonic Concert” -- Alton Fitzgerald White, Elizabeth Stanley, and Andrea Jones-Sojola
- Several selections with the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus
Rehearsals on July 2 and 3 are closed to the public. Gates will open to the public at 12 p.m. on July 4.
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