PEACE protesters are preparing to hold the annual Independence from America Day at RAF Menwith Hill.

This year's demonstration will take place outside the main gate of the base, which is an intelligence gathering hub for the US's National Security Agency, on Wednesday, July 4.

Running from 4pm to 8pm, the event has been organised by the Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign and will include guest speakers, poetry, music and refreshments.

Members of the East Lancs Clarion Choir will read out a Declaration of Independence from America and a copy will be handed in to the base.

The General Secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), Kate Hudson, will be the main speaker and will accompanied by a giant CND symbol to mark the campaign's 60th anniversary.

Other speakers will include Shaughan Dolan of Conscience, the Peace Tax campaign, and Chris Bluemel of Trident Ploughshares while Spike the Pike, a Veteran for Peace, will be reading his poems.

The music will include songs from the East Lancs Clarion Choir - with Janet Russell also singing solo - and, after 6pm, the Commoners Choir.

There will also be an opportunity for anyone attending to speak, sing, act or recite at an Open Mic session after 6pm.

Parking, toilets and a safe area (with activities) for children will also be available.