The next YesCymru and AUOBCymru March for Independence will take place in Bangor this Saturday, September 23, 2023. Leading the march, for the first time, will be a large roaring 10-metre-long Welsh Dragon, crafted by the artist-led organisation ‘Small World Theatre’.
Supporters of an independent Wales are encouraged to assemble early with their flags, posters, and banners at Glanrafon Car Park from 11 am, with the march itself starting at 1 pm. The dragon will then guide participants through Bangor High Street, onto Glynne Road, and then down Deiniol Road before returning to Glanrafon Car Park.
Geraint Thomas, one of the event organisers, said: “I’m delighted that Gwynedd will once again play host to the AUOBCymru and YesCymru march for independence. With over 8,000 attendees at the march in Caernarfon back in 2019, we are hopeful to surpass that figure in Bangor this time.”
“The anticipation is high as we prepare to welcome individuals from across Wales to Bangor. As organisers, we are working diligently to ensure that this will be one of the best marches yet!”
“Due to the unprecedented numbers of people expected to attend the march, we have been asked by North Wales Police and Cyngor Gwynedd to ask that supporters use public transport where possible and to arrive in good time.”
At around 2 pm, following the march, a Rally will be held at Glanrafon Car Park. The Rally will feature a large stage and screen, speakers, and live music. Figures such as Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Sera Cracroft, Joseph Gnagbo, Bryn Fôn, Fleur De Lys, and others will join the rallying cry for Welsh independence with Karen Wynne as MC.
Sera Cracroft, one of the featured speakers, remarked: “The March for Independence in Bangor on Saturday promises to be an unforgettable event. The Dragon symbolises our fiery spirit and unwavering commitment to an independent Wales, and as we march through Bangor, we carry with us the hopes and dreams of a nation determined to forge its own path towards independence.”
Also among the speakers is Rhun ap Iorwerth, who became the Plaid Cymru leader in June 2023, with further speakers being announced over the coming weeks. Rhun ap Iorwerth said:
“I’m looking forward to joining thousands of people once again to clearly state our support for an independent Wales, this time in Bangor.
“This is not as good as it gets for Wales – we can aim higher as a nation, and indeed we must. It is clear to me that we have so much to offer – in our people, our natural resources, in our distinctiveness, our community enterprise and our ingenuity. Wales can stand on its own two feet.
“Independence is a normal state for a country to exist in, and that is what we are aiming for. I’m excited about my role as Plaid Cymru Leader – to convince more and more people just why we’re on this journey towards an independent Wales – towards a Wales that is more prosperous, fairer, greener and more ambitious.”
Previous marches in Caernarfon, Merthyr Tudful, Wrexham, Cardiff, and most recently Swansea, have attracted up to 10,000 participants, underscoring the growing interest in the pursuit of an independent Wales.
Independence Market and Fringe Events
Adjacent to Glanrafon Car Park, The Old Bowling Green will host an “Indy Market” from 10 am to 4 pm, showcasing a diverse array of organisations and local businesses.
Following the rally, an afternoon of folk music will take place between 3 pm and 5 pm at Tafarn y Glôb in Upper Bangor. As the day transitions into evening, the “Indy Gig” will take place at Theatr Bryn Terfel, Pontio, featuring performances by Fleur De Lys, Tara Bandito, 3 Hwr Doeth, and Maes Parcio. Tickets for this event are available through the Pontio Website.
For more information, please visit https://www.auob.cymru/post/march-for-independence-bangor. Those interested in joining the conversation can do so on the Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/942029707028194 and by using the hashtags #Annibyniaeth and #indyWales on social media.
