Over two thousand people marched through the streets of Rhyl today for an independent Wales, as the seaside town hosted the tenth March for Independence – a landmark event in the growing campaign for Welsh independence.

Organised jointly by YesCymru and AUOBCymru (All Under One Banner Cymru), today’s march brought people from every corner of Wales to the north coast, filling Rhyl’s streets with a sea of Welsh flags, banners and music.

The march began at the Rhyl Events Arena and wound its way through the town centre before returning to the seafront for a rally featuring live music and speeches from campaigners, politicians and performers. Families, community groups and independence supporters of all ages took part.

Geraint Thomas on behalf of AUOBCymru said:

“Every march for independence sends a clear message to Westminster that the people of Wales are no longer willing to be ignored. From Cardiff to Caernarfon, from Barry to Rhyl – today shows once again that this movement is growing in confidence and determination. The people of Wales are ready to take our future into our own hands.”

Voices from across Wales and beyond

The rally featured performances by TewTewTennau, Jacob Elwy and Genod Pres, with speeches from a range of voices including Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Gruffydd MS, Lesley Riddoch from Scotland, Tara Bethan and Phil Davies of Wales Green Party.

Llyr Gruffydd MS, who represents North Wales for Plaid Cymru, said:

“Wales should be a wealthy nation – we are rich in energy, water, food production and natural resources, but the people of Wales are not seeing that wealth in their communities. We’re at the back of the queue when it comes to investment within the UK. Don’t let anybody tell you that Wales is too small, too poor or too weak to stand on its own two feet – we can and we will flourish when decisions about Wales are made in Wales.”

Also speaking was Lesley Riddoch, Scottish journalist, broadcaster and leading independence campaigner. She said:

“Scotland has always been seen as the leader of the pack among the Celtic nations seeking self-determination – but Wales is giving us a good run for our money. It’s high time Wales and Scotland formed stronger links as we approach a year of dramatic constitutional change. I’m delighted to be making this journey on behalf of independence supporters in Scotland.”

Local singer-songwriter Tara Bethan, who was brought up in Rhyl, told the crowd:

“We have the ability and resources to stand tall as an independent nation – and today’s march proves that belief is alive and well across Wales.”

Phil Davies, Deputy Leader of Wales Green Party, also addressed the rally. He said:

“I’m proud to make Wales Green Party’s clear case for a fully independent Republic of Wales – free from the trappings of both Westminster and the Monarchy – an independence that makes people’s lives better.”

A movement spreading across Wales

The Rhyl march was the tenth national March for Independence since the first was held in Cardiff in 2019. Other marches have taken place in Caernarfon, Merthyr, Cardiff (for a second time), Wrexham, Swansea, Bangor, Carmarthen and Barry – where more than 6,000 people took part earlier this year.

The movement has gained renewed attention following Westminster’s ongoing refusal to devolve control of the Crown Estate to Wales, despite overwhelming public and political support across the country.

Rhyl Flats and Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farms are part of the Crown Estate portfolio and could be seen from the location of the rally. They generate huge revenues, yet the economic benefits flow out of Wales rather than staying to support local jobs and services.

Bleddyn Williams, one of the local organisers, said:

“Rhyl was chosen for a reason. The offshore wind farms off our coast are owned by the Crown Estate, yet the profits flow to Westminster instead of benefiting the people of north Wales. It’s the latest example of why Wales cannot depend on Westminster to act in our best interests – no matter which party is in power.

Rhyl was also chosen because this community has endured decades of neglect and underinvestment from successive UK governments. Yet today we’ve seen pride, energy and hope. The people of north Wales have shown that independence isn’t just possible – it’s essential.”

A growing national movement

A poll earlier this year by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for YesCymru found that 41% of decided voters would vote Yes in a referendum on Welsh independence – one of the strongest results on record.

YesCymru Chair Phyl Griffiths said:

“What we’ve seen in Rhyl today is a Wales that believes in itself. This movement is about democracy, fairness and hope – and it’s growing stronger with every march.”