Former President Barack Obama is set to charge £1,500 for premium seats and photo opportunities during his upcoming speaking engagement at Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena in October. The event is part of a series of speaking appearances by Obama, the 44th president of the United States.

Meanwhile, Michelle Obama, the former First Lady, is commanding higher fees for similar experiences on her own speaking tour. She has been charging £2,200 for a pre-show photo opportunity combined with a signed copy of her memoir, *Becoming*. Tickets for her London appearances have reportedly been resold on secondary markets for prices reaching as high as £50,000.

While Barack Obama’s public appearances remain in high demand, Michelle Obama’s premium offerings appear to generate even greater revenue, reflecting her continued popularity, particularly in support of her bestselling book. Speculation has arisen that Michelle Obama might join her husband during his upcoming tour dates this autumn to help further increase VIP ticket sales, although no official announcement has been made.

Both Obamas have maintained a significant public profile since leaving the White House, leveraging their speaking engagements and book sales to reach wide audiences. Their combined appeal underscores their enduring influence in public discourse and cultural events.