Barry, one of Wales’s largest towns, will host a major March for Independence this Saturday, bringing together people from across Wales and beyond to call for a better future through independence.
Organised by YesCymru and AUOBCymru, supporters will gather from 11am at King Square, with the march setting off at 1pm.
Since 2019, thousands have participated in independence marches in towns and cities across Wales, including Caernarfon, Merthyr, Wrexham, Bangor, Swansea, Carmarthen, and Cardiff.
Barry holds a proud place in Welsh history, having played a key role in the Cymru Fydd movement for home rule in the 1890s. This weekend’s march builds on that legacy, reflecting growing momentum for independence and a confident, forward-looking vision for Wales.
Independence Rally
Following the march, a rally will be held in King Square featuring speeches and live music. Speakers include former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, Catalan independence campaigner Anna Arqué i Solsona, Plaid Cymru’s Kiera Marshall, Tessa Marshall from the Green Party, and singer-songwriter Eädyth Crawford. The rally will be hosted by local councillor Mark Hooper, with music by Emma Winter, known from Y Llais, the Welsh version of The Voice.
Leanne Wood said:
It’s time to end our dependence.We have an opportunity to build an alternative to the failed economic model which extracts resources and profits to the benefit of the City of London and the large corporations, leaving crumbs for workers and communities in Wales.
In the face of growing intolerance and hate, our movement must offer hope. We know our politics and our country can do better than this.
Wales on the International Stage
Anna Arqué i Solsona, ICEC Spokesperson – Catalonia, will address the rally in person, bringing an international perspective to the day. She will be joined by video messages of support from fellow members of the International Commission of European Citizens, sharing powerful messages of solidarity from independence movements across Europe.
Anna Arqué i Solsona said:
Movements like ours believe democracy is the best path to full self-determination, even when it clashes with the interests of the states we’re trapped within. That’s why solidarity among our nations is vital, rooted in human rights and democratic principles.
I'm really looking forward to being in Wales thanks to YesCymru, and to learning from such an inspiring movement – one Catalans support with hope and enthusiasm.
Support for Welsh Independence is Growing
The march comes in the wake of a Redfield & Wilton poll, commissioned by YesCymru, showing rising support for independence. According to the results, 41% of decided voters in Wales would now vote for independence. Among 25 to 34 year olds, support surges to 72%, a clear sign that the movement is gaining strength among the next generation.
YesCymru Chair Phyl Griffiths said:
The latest poll results on Welsh independence are a clear sign that support for Welsh independence is growing, along with the demand for real change.
But real change isn’t about populism. Populism feeds on frustration and fosters division.
In Wales, we care deeply for our communities and have a proud record of punching above our weight – in science, sport, the arts, politics and social justice. I’m proud to see our nation reflected with hope and ambition in those poll figures.
I look forward to joining people from all over Wales in Barry for a vibrant, positive march for independence.