The recent upswing in COVID-19 cases in Nashville and Tennessee have prompted the cancellation of Nashville's Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th fireworks.

“After putting together a small July 4th celebration that prioritized the health and safety of our city, we have decided to cancel the short fireworks show we had planned for downtown to broadcast on NewsChannel 5," says Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

"While we are disappointed, the significant increase in COVID cases this week made it clear that we needed to take any steps possible to discourage crowds from gathering. We hope everyone will have a safe July 4 and watch the one-hour TV special on NewsChannel5 at 9 p.m. on Saturday. We plan to compile the best-of-the-best from previous year’s fireworks shows to include in the broadcast, along with live performances from John Hiatt, Lilly Hiatt, Keb’Mo’ and Tenille Townes.”

The TV broadcast will air from 9-10 p.m. Information: visitmusiccity.com/july4th

The celebration will honor health care heroes, first responders and frontline workers.

There is no public concert or any other public event planned for downtown on July 4.

A short fireworks display of only a few minutes had initially been planned to air locally on NewsChannel 5. Riverfront Park was to be closed to discourage spectators and crowds from gathering.