Today is a momentous day in history as President Donald Trump will leave office and President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States with Kamla Harris joining as the first Black woman Vice President. This event comes just a few weeks after riots took place in the Capitol and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for Republican Congress members to resign.
As the pandemic and concerns about security continue, going to the Capitol and watching the inauguration in person is not an option. So, here is all the information you need to know about the upcoming inauguration ceremony, and how you can watch it from the comfort of your own home...
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How can you watch the inauguration from the comfort of your own home?
The inauguration of Biden-Harris will be shown at noon ET on various major networks including ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, PBS, CNN, MSNBC, Telemundo, and Univision.
The ceremony will also be available online to stream on the official White House website and on YouTube.
How can you watch the inauguration if you’re in the UK?
Biden will be sworn in at 5 pm GMT. BBC One will be hosting a two-hour news special about the inauguration that starts at 3:30 pm GMT and is hosted by journalist Katty Kay.
ITV will have a similar format that begins at 4 pm GMT and is hosted by Tom Bradby from Washington D.C.
Coverage will also be airing on Sky News from 4 pm and on other American outlets that are available in the UK.
What can we expect from the inauguration?
Typically the inauguration takes place with thousands of fans gathering to celebrate the swearing-in of the next president. Former President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration saw nearly one million spectators flood the Capitol to watch the inauguration. Due to the Pandemic, Biden has encouraged citizens to celebrate at home and not come to support him in person. So, seeing large crowds outside the Capitol is unlikely.
The theme of the event, chosen by Biden’s inaugural committee, is ‘America United’. In a statement, the team said, "At a time of unprecedented crisis and deep divisions, America United reflects the beginning of a new national journey that restores the soul of America, brings the country together, and creates a path to a brighter future."
According to NBC News, the event will involve Biden taking part in activities with former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton. These joint activities will highlight the message of unity in the U.S.
The Inaguartion will consist of pre-inaugural festivities at 9:30 am ET, at noon, the swearing-in of Biden and Harris, then a virtual parade will start around 2 pm ET. The star-studded evening ball that usually takes place after the inauguration will not be held.
Who will be in attendance?
Former presidents are all invited to attend the ceremony. Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hilary Clinton will be attending. George and Laura Bush as well as Barack and Michelle Obama will also attend.
Trump will NOT attend the inauguration. His vice-president Mike Pence will, however, be in attendance. Former President Jimmy Carter, 96, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, 93, have also said they will not attend. Through a spokesperson, the Carter’s send their ‘best wishes’ to both Biden and Harris, but will stay in Georgia, where they have resided throughout the pandemic.
Who’s performing?
There are a host of amazing performers who will be taking part in the inaugural ceremony including Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga who will sing the National Anthem. Other acts include; Justin Timberlake, Demo Lovato, Ant Clemons, and Jon Bon Jovi.
Performing remotely will be Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, and Foo Fighters. Kerry Washington and Eva Longoria will introduce different segments of the event.
There is also Biden-Harris playlist that has been curated for the event which has 46 different songs to listen to as Biden becomes to 46th President of the US.
