9,000 strong YesCymru independence march through Aberystwyth today

Thousands of supporters of Welsh independence marched through the centre of Aberystwyth on Saturday, 26 September, before gathering for a rally at Castle Gardens.

People carrying Welsh flags, banners and placards joined the march for Independence through Aberystwyth on Saturday afternoon. The event was organised by YesCymru and All Under One Banner Cymru, with estimates that as many as 9,000 people took part.

First Minister addresses Aberystwyth rally

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth was among the speakers at the rally following the march. Addressing campaigners, he said Wales was showing “a new sense of confidence” and argued that the country should have the right to determine its own constitutional future.

He also acknowledged that supporters of independence still had work to do to persuade people. He told the crowd: “Everybody here knows how much work we have to do, everybody here knows how much persuading we have to do.” He has said he will seek powers for Wales to hold an independence referendum, while ruling out holding such a vote during the current Senedd term.

The march left Castle Gardens at 1pm and travelled along Great Darkgate Street, Owain Glyndŵr Square and Terrace Road before reaching Marine Terrace. Campaigners then followed the promenade past the Old College and returned to Castle Gardens. It was the first March for Independence organised by the groups to be held in mid Wales and the eleventh in a series of marches held across Wales since 2019.

The event also included an “Indy Market” at Castle Gardens and music and performances. Speakers and performers announced ahead of the event included YesCymru chair Rob Hughes, Elwyn Vaughan MS, Hywel Griffiths (Aberystwyth Town Bard), Bethany Davies and Cerys Hutin, alongside bands and groups including Dros Dro, Samba Drwm and Bagad Bro Ystwyth.

Aberystwyth Penparcau town councillor Julien Brun welcomed the turnout and said:

“It was fantastic to see the town full of people coming together today for Welsh independence. Aberystwyth has always had a strong civic spirit, and it was brilliant to see that on display today, and as a town councillor for Aberystwyth Penparcau I’m proud that our town can be a place where people meet, exchange ideas and have positive conversations about the future of Wales.”

Saturday’s march came as YesCymru campaigns for an independence referendum by 2032. Under the current constitutional settlement, the Senedd does not have the power to legislate for an independence referendum without agreement from Westminster.