PRESIDENTIAL POMP,POM PAGEANTRY AND THE START OF A SENATE TRIAL...
Morning: US president-elect Joe Biden is expected to attend mass at a Catholic church in Washington DC, possibly St Patrick’s within the central security zone patrolled by police and military.
1pm: Outgoing president Donald Trump, staying away from Mr Biden’s inauguration, was planning to host his own departure event at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, including a military parade. These plans have reportedly proved contentious with military chiefs. Mr Trump is expected to fly to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, in his final journey on Air Force One, in the hours ahead of his successor’s inauguration.
Also 1pm: The Senate could begin Mr Trump’s impeachment trial for incitement to insurrection, after his supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6. 4pm: Kamala Harris is to be sworn in as vice-president by Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor, followed by Mr Biden’s swearing-in as president by chief justice John Roberts. Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem.
4.30pm-5pm: Mr Biden is expected to begin his opening speech as the 46th president of the US.
Post-ceremony: Mr Biden, Ms Harris and former presidents Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama travel to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A military escort will then accompany Mr Biden from 15th Street to the White House.
Thursday, 1.30am British time: Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks will host a 90-minute event called Celebrating America. It is set to include performances by music stars such as Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato and Justin Timberlake.