Adults, children and pooches from the area celebrated the Fourth of July in a contradiction Monday night at the Champaign County Freedom Celebration, celebrating freedom from the British by listening to covers of a British band.

At Stadium Terrace they laid down their blankets, pulled out their umbrellas and dodged the rain to hear local cover band The Britles pay homage to the Beatles.

This was The Britles’ first time to play at the Freedom Fest, taking the place of Captain Rat and the Rivets, with whom the fest-goers had become quite familiar.

“We came to see Captain Rat and the Rivets,” said Jeremiah Mann, 24, expressing his surprise to find the lineup changed. Despite his disappointment, Mann stayed because he considers the fest a tradition. He was also excited to hear something new.

“Hopefully they’ll be a decent cover band,” Mann said.

Rich Dawson, 45, didn’t have the same surprise. He came to the fest knowing that The Britles would be performing and was eager to test them out.

“I’ve heard they’re good and do a good cover,” Dawson said, as he waited with his Dalmatian, Ollie, for the Britles to take the stage.

Steve (last name not given), 46, had the same sentiments.

“I know the Beatles and rock and roll. I’m a rock and roll connoisseur,” Steve said. “I’m just waiting to see if they do the Beatles justice.”

When it was time for the music to start, the announcer introduced a group from “a little west of Liverpool,” and the musicians jogged onto stage with mop-ish hairdos, British accents and sparklers in hand.

“Happy Birthday from the Britles,” they said as they prepared for their set.

After the sparklers ran out and the guitars were strapped on, music played and children ran and danced to the songs from their parents’ generation. The result was an atmosphere of community, brought together by the music of a band known by young and old.

“They’re kind of cheesy,” said Beth Rollins, 21, while bopping her head to the music, “but they’re playing some good songs.”