Democratic National Convention live: President Joe Biden to speak in support of Kamala Harris

The crowd at the DNC was sent into raptures when Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on stage.

Welcome to our live coverage of the Democratic National Convention in the United States.

It is day one of four, featuring speeches from President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Kamala Harris and her chosen vice presidential candidate, Tim Walz, will formally accept their respective nominations later in the week.

Mr Biden, who withdrew from the race a month ago amid concerns about his age, mental acuity and ability to beat Donald Trump, arrived in Chicago earlier today ahead of his speech, which is sure to be a bittersweet experience for him.

Making a surprise appearance on stage at the start of the primetime timeslot today, Ms Harris thanked Mr Biden for his “lifetime of service”.

“Looking out at everyone tonight, I see the beauty of our great nation. People from every corner of our country and every walk of life are here united by our shared vision for the future of our country,” Ms Harris said.

“This November, we will come together and declare with one voice, as one people, we are moving forward.

“With optimism, hope and faith, guided by our love of country, knowing we all have so much more in common than what separates us, let us fight for the ideals we hold dear.”

Read on for the latest updates.

Ms Harris on stage at the DNC. Picture: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images via AFP