Thousands are gathering in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, with just three months to go until the US presidential election.
The event has been completely reworked after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in late July, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place on the ballot.
But many of its traditions, including blockbuster speeches from party leaders and celebrity appearances, are still expected to create memorable moments.
Here’s what you need to know about one of the biggest US political events of the year:
What is the Democratic National Convention?
The conference happens every four years to officially nominate candidates for president and vice president. This year it will be a “rally around Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” according to its official website.
The event aims to “show America what Democrats stand for” and lay out what is at stake in the election on November 5.
The convention will see Mr Biden ceremonially pass the torch to Ms Harris as Democrats seek to project a sense of unity after the unprecedented change-up in candidates.
Who is speaking at the event?
The Democratic National Convention kicks off on Monday, a month after Republicans held their convention in Milwaukee.
Up until a few weeks ago, Mr Biden had been expected to take the convention stage on Thursday night, as is tradition for the party's nominee.
But he was forced to end his reelection campaign following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump.
Mr Biden will headline the convention on Monday night, with sources saying that Ms Harris is likely to join him on stage.
The crowd will also hear from First Lady Jill Biden and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson among others.
Former president Barack Obama is expected to speak on Tuesday, as well as Ms Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff.
Wednesday’s line-up is expected to include former president Bill Clinton and Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Ms Harris will take to the stage herself on Thursday, when she will formally accept the presidential nomination.
If elected in November, she would make history as the first female US president.
Where is the convention taking place?
The convention will take place in Chicago, which has hosted more political conventions than any other US city.
Police and anti-Vietnam War protesters violently clashed live on television during the 1968 convention in the Windy City, and protesters are likely to be out in force again this week.
What do protesters want this year?
Protesters will be bidding to call attention to issues including the war in Gaza, climate change and reproductive rights.
They will be demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, even as the Biden administration presses hard for such an outcome at talks that it is mediating with Egypt and Qatar.
The Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation and buses are bringing activists to the city from all over the country.
Organisers estimate at least 20,000 people will turn up for Monday's march and rally, on the first day of the convention.
"We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end US aid to Israel and stand with Palestine," said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC, ahead of the protests.
A coalition of some 200 social justice organisations, many from pro-Palestinian groups, are expected to gather outside the convention.
Who will be at the conference?
Around 50,000 people are expected to attend the conference in Chicago, with thousands of journalists also heading to the event.
Celebrities are also expected. Past sightings have included actors Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Eva Longoria and Elizabeth Banks.
Rumours have swirled about megastars Beyoncé and Taylor Swift attending - but this is unconfirmed.
