Former US president Barack Obama is in Scotland today ahead of a major appearance at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro. The 44th President of the United States will take to the stage tonight (14 October) for An Evening with President Barack Obama, part of a three-city speaking tour which has already taken him to Belfast and continues to Manchester tomorrow.
The appearance will see the former president discuss the future of the United States and the wider world as America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.
Organisers have billed the event as a rare opportunity to hear Obama reflect on his time in the White House and the challenges facing democracy and international politics.
The Glasgow appearance comes immediately after Obama visited Belfast, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Queen’s University Belfast on Tuesday.
Speaking at the university, he praised the Good Friday Agreement and warned that peace and democracy could never be taken for granted.
Obama said: “The Good Friday Agreement is still a shining example of what can happen when people put aside old wounds and choose peace. Peace and democracy are not inevitable. They have to be chosen, again and again.”
He later appeared before a packed audience in Belfast, where his conversation covered democracy, press freedom, the Middle East and the importance of maintaining hope during periods of political instability.
Tonight’s event marks Obama’s return to Glasgow almost five years after he appeared at the COP26 climate summit in the city in November 2021.
During that visit, the former president addressed delegates at the SEC and urged governments and younger generations to maintain pressure for action on climate change.
Obama served as US president from January 2009 until January 2017 after becoming the first African-American elected to the White House.
Since leaving office he has remained one of the world’s most prominent political figures through the Obama Foundation, public appearances, books, film production and campaigning on issues including democracy, leadership and opportunities for young people.
Enhanced security will be in place at the Hydro, with the venue asking people to arrive early to allow time for queues and searches.
Tickets for tonight’s event were still available on Wednesday morning, with standard prices starting from £32.90 and premium packages costing considerably more.
Doors at the Hydro open at 6pm, with Obama due on stage at 8pm. The event is expected to finish at around 9.20pm.