More than two thousand people took to the streets of Rhyl this weekend to call 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), the march drew participants from across Wales, filling Rhyl’s streets with Welsh flags, banners and music.
The event began at the Rhyl Events Arena before winding through the town centre and 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.
Speaking at the event, 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.”
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.
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.”
Scottish journalist and independence campaigner Lesley Riddoch praised the growing confidence of the Welsh movement:
“Scotland has long been seen as the leader of the pack among the Celtic nations, but Wales is catching up fast. It’s inspiring to see such energy and unity here in Rhyl today.”
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, Wrexham, Swansea, Bangor, Carmarthen and Barry – where more than 6,000 people joined earlier this year.
The campaign has drawn attention amid continued debate over Westminster’s refusal to devolve control of the Crown Estate to Wales, despite broad public and political support.
Rhyl Flats and Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farms, which could be seen from the rally, form part of the Crown Estate portfolio. While they generate significant revenue, the economic benefits currently flow out of Wales rather than being reinvested locally.
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.”
The event also included an Indy Market at the Events Arena, with campaign groups, local makers and information stalls, as well as a “Singing for Independence” session at the Lorne Tavern after the rally. Organisers thanked residents and businesses in Rhyl for their support and cooperation.
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 recorded to date.
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.”
