Tom Hanks to host TV special for Joe Biden's inauguration featuring Demi Lovato and Justin Timberlake

Tom Hanks will host a TV special during the celebration of the inauguration of Joe Biden as the next President of the US on January 20. EPA

Tom Hanks is set to host a television special to celebrate the inauguration of Joe Biden as US President, with performances by Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato and Ant Clemons.

The 90-minute special will be broadcast on Wednesday, January 20, at 8.30pm ET, and will be streamed via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, Amazon Prime Video, as well as broadcast on US television.

The show will “showcase the American people’s resilience, heroism and unified commitment to coming together as a nation to heal and rebuild", according to producers.

The stars taking part have spoken of their excitement at being involved in the broadcast. Writing on Instagram, Demi Lovato said: "I was left speechless when I was asked to perform!"

Ant Clemons wrote: “To say that this is a dream come true, would be an understatement!”

Timberlake said he and Clemons would perform their new song Better Days. "This song was our way of doing what little we could to encourage everyone to stay hopeful," Timberlake said.

The celebrations will look different from past presidential inaugurations, with tightened security because of last week's riot at the US Capitol.

The event was already going to be pared down owing to Covid-19, with Biden asking supporters to stay at home and watch from afar. In keeping with crowd size restrictions to slow the spread of the virus, traditional activities such as the parade and the inaugural balls will be virtual.