Former US president Barack Obama has been spotted striding out of a city centre hotel this afternoon ahead of his show at Co-Op Live tonight.
The 44th president of the United States will take to the stage for An Evening with President Barack Obama this evening (October 15). His appearance comes as part of his UK tour, where he will also visit London and Dublin to talk to audiences about 'what comes next'.
Historic event at Co-Op Live
The evening is set to be dominated by Obama discussing 'what comes next for America, and for all of us' as the USA approaches the 250th anniversary of signing the Declaration of Independence. Roughly 23,000 people are expected to attend the historic event tonight at Co-Op Live where he will be in discussion with Afua Hirsch.
Ahead of his show tonight, Obama was spotted leaving the five-star Stock Exchange Hotel in the city centre and waving at his fans who had waited to see him leaving. It's understood the former president was meeting Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the hotel's Sterling Bar this evening.
Hotel's star-studded history
The Grade II-listed Edwardian Baroque building is well loved by the stars and was turned into a hotel in 2019 by former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. Located on Norfolk Street, it's welcomed everybody from Bruce Springsteen and Liam Gallagher to Madonna and David Beckham.
Chanel famously booked out the entire property for its famous guests for the Metier D'Arts fashion show in November 2023, while Beatles legend, Sir Paul McCartney stayed at the property back in 2024, and was greeted by fans serenading him to the dulcet tones of Hey Jude.
Tour continues in London and Dublin
The hotel has previously featured on The Times' list of 100 best places to say in the UK, and Noel Gallagher even made it his base during the huge Oasis reunion last summer. Other notable guests who have stayed there whilst touring have included Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran, and Hugh Grant, amongst many others. Obama will continue his tour in London and Dublin after tonight's Manchester event.
