Donald Trump's inauguration 'will have far fewer parties and law firms plan to ditch traditional celebrations'

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Donald Trump might be adamant his forthcoming inauguration is going to be “a very, very elegant day” but it has not been without hiccups. In fact, the most high-profile names associated with the President-elect’s big day have been the A-listers, such as Elton John and Celine Dion, who have expressly declined invitations to perform.

More generally, the atmosphere on the inaugural route this year is set to be very different to previous years. Many law companies and lobbying firms on the parade route are scaling back their parties or cancelling them altogether.

The general feeling is said to be very different to that of Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009 which saw a swathe of events and parties hosted at the firms in honour of him. According to local press, many of the balconies along the parade are expected to be empty.

The billionaire property developer won just four per cent of the Washington DC vote in the presidential election.

“Washington is a blue state,” Charese John, creative director of Revive Events & Catering, told The Independent.

“Inauguration celebrations are going to be very different this year. There are far less events this year. A lot of people aren’t hosting inaugural parties like usual.”

The 45-year-old, who has worked in the events industry for over 20 years, said heightened security was another factor making it difficult for there to be a celebratory atmosphere in the inaugural zone.

“Each year is a different tone, with Obama it was celebratory, but now there are more protests. It’s a very hard transition going from Obama to Trump. With Obama the inauguration felt young, urban, open and inclusive”.

Cooley LLP, a law firm on the inaugural route, told The Independent it would be closed due to security concerns.

Miller & Chevalier, a law company which invited 800 guests in 2009, told The Washington Examiner there would be no party this year. Kirkland & Ellis LLP, which hosted a catered event for 1,000 guests in 2009, said the firm will be closed this year and therefore there will be no reception.