Guide to the 2024 Democratic National Convention

With three months to go before the 2024 election, thousands will gather in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention.

It is a tradition that began in the 1830s, when a group of Democratic delegates supporting President Andrew Jackson gathered in Baltimore to elect him to a second term.

This year will look a little different from the others, as the Democratic Party has already officially nominated Vice President Kamala Harris on the ballot after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

But most of the other traditions of the DNC — including celebrity appearances and memorable speeches by party leaders — will remain the same. Here’s what you need to know.

This year’s convention will be held at the United Center Arena in Chicago from Monday August 19th to Thursday August 22nd.

Because Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz have already been nominated, this year’s convention will focus on speeches by prominent Democrats and adoption of the party’s platform.

The guests are working during the day to complete the stage, whose outline has been released.

It focuses on a wide range of issues, including initiatives to reduce inflation, reduce climate change and combat gun violence. In the draft plan, Democrats compared each of the party’s positions to Project 2025, the most optimistic blueprint of what a Trump administration might look like, endorsed by the Heritage Foundation. Trump wants to distance himself from the project, although several of his allies are involved in the writing.

Dozens of Democrats and many celebrities will be taking the stage in Chicago.

President Biden will address the meeting on Monday at night. The crowd will also hear from First Lady Jill Biden, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other Democratic leaders.

Opened Tuesdayformer President Barack Obama is expected to deliver his speech. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Ms. Harris’ husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, will also address Tuesday’s meeting.

WednesdayTheir list reportedly includes former President Bill Clinton and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, among others.

Ms. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will deliver the inaugural address that evening after her nomination.

The most important night of the meeting is Thursdaywhen Vice President Harris will take the stage. He will officially accept the presidential nomination and give his speech on the last night of the conference dedicated to “For the Future.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will also take the stage at some point during the week.

Famous politicians are not the only ones to appear. The meeting will also hear from several everyday Americans, including Trump voters.

About 50,000 people are expected to attend this year’s meeting in Chicago. This includes thousands of delegates selected by the Democratic Party and major delegates, which are elected officials, prominent members of the Democratic Party and certain members of the Democratic National Committee.

Thousands of media will also be there.

It’s going to be a star-studded event that will feature quite a few celebrities. In 2020, actresses Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Eva Longoria attended the meeting, and in 2016 Elizabeth Banks and America Ferrera appeared.

Rumors have been rife about whether superstars Beyoncé and Taylor Swift will attend this year, but no one has confirmed that they will.

Demonstrations are planned outside the DNC, many of which focus on opposing US support for Israel’s war in Gaza. The organizers said that approximately 10,000 people may come to the march. Protesters battled the city of Chicago over where to demonstrate.

Members of the public can attend the meeting in person only as volunteers.

Major TV networks will provide lectures and events, as well as C-SPAN.

Additionally, for the first time, the conference plans to offer live streaming of events on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, so viewers can watch on their phones.

You can follow the latest news, including daily live coverage and analysis from the BBC’s teams on the Democratic Alliance, at bbc.com/news.