Thousands march to call for Welsh independence
THOUSANDS of people marched through Caernarfon on Saturday to call for an independent Wales.
According to organisers, 8,000 people turned up to the event.
A rally took place on Castle Square with a diverse group of speakers including Scottish comedian and political activist Hardeep Singh Kohli, as well as community activists, poets and musicians.
One of the organisers, Gwion Halam, told the Daily Post that people are fed up of other people deciding the future of Wales and the march was a chance for people to let everyone know that “Wales is ready for independence”.
Fellow organiser Gwyn Llewelyn said: “This is really taking off as a real alternative to the stale politics that has failed us so often before. I would say to anyone who wants a better future for their family and community to join us at the march for independence in Caernarfon, ask the hard questions, and get involved in shaping our country’s future.”
Interest in Welsh independence has been growing, with the latest YouGov poll putting support for independence at 36%, and support for leaving Westminster politicians in charge falling below 50% for the first time since polling on the subject started.
Singer Dafydd Iwan, who performed the national anthem to close the rally, said: “There is a long tradition of rallies on the Maes in Caernarfon, and I’m thrilled that the
independence rally is happening there, under a non-political and cross-party banner, which reflects the positive new spirit that is growing in Wales these days.”
Hardeep Sing Kohli told Nation Cymru: “The continual crimes committed against the people of Wales are legion. From the assault on their ancient and beautiful culture, the attempted crushing of the Welsh language over the last two centuries to more recent events like the dropping of Goldie Lookin Chain by their record label, while bowed our Celtic cousins have never been broken.
“It is time for Wales, like Scotland, to become a nation restored. From Flint Castle to Chepstow in the south, it is time for the land of song to once again sing their own song.”
“We will never surrender. We will keep fighting on,” said Elfed Wyn Jones in his speech. He is a young farmer from Trawsfynydd who rebuilt the Cofiwch Dryweryn wall with his friends this year.
The protest followed on from May’s All Under One Banner Cymru (AUOB Cymru) gathering in Cardiff.
More than 2,000 people attended the first-ever independence march in the city.
One marcher, who attended both the Cardiff and Caernarfon rallies, said: “There is a real sense of momentum this time.”