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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Niall Deeney

Bill Clinton to return to Derry for event to honour John Hume and David Trimble

Former US President Bill Clinton is expected in Derry on Tuesday to give a keynote speech at an event to honour the late John Hume and David Trimble.

It marks another return to the city he brought to a standstill in the 1990s for the first ever US Presidential visit to Derry.

While the final details are still being confirmed, the event organised by the John and Pat Hume Foundation is also set to feature musical performances from the likes of Tim Wheeler from Ash, and Neil Hannon from Divine Comedy.

Read more: In pictures: US President Joe Biden's historic trip to Belfast

The visit comes just days after sitting President Joe Biden's trip to Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Former US president Bill Clinton and his wife and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton are already expected (Getty Images for NARAS)

The event on Tuesday represents a posthumous tribute to Nobel laureates John Hume and David Trimble at the Guildhall - the scene of President Clinton's historic 1995 visit.

In November that year, with expectations building of a breakthrough to end the Troubles, the President told an adoring Derry crowd: "I believe we live in a time of hope and history rhyming.

"Standing here in front of the Guildhall, looking out over these historic walls, I see a peaceful city, a safe city, a hopeful city, full of young people that should have a peaceful and prosperous future here where their roots and families are.

"That is what I see today with you."

The visit also featured prominently in hit comedy series Derry Girls.

In fact, the President's daughter Chelsea Clinton made a surprise appearance in an hour-long special episode entitled 'The Agreement' that paid tribute to the historic Good Friday Agreement.

The emotional final episode featured a post-credit scene set in the present day, featuring Chelsea Clinton in New York opening a never-opened letter from the Derry Girls characters.

On her cameo, the President's daughter said: "Like many, I am a big fan of the series, and I was honoured to be able to appear in the very special final episode. I hope people enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed being a part of it.”

The audience for Tuesday's event will be comprised largely of young people from local schools, Ulster University and youth organisations.

It will be live streamed on YouTube.

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