**Thousands Expected in Barry for Major Welsh Independence March**
This weekend, the seaside town of Barry is set to become the focal point for the Welsh independence movement, with organisers predicting a substantial turnout for a march in support of the cause. Coordinated by YesCymru and AUOBCymru, the event follows a series of similar demonstrations across Wales since 2019, and is tipped to rival the impressive attendance seen in Cardiff in 2022, where more than 10,000 supporters participated.
The march, which will take place on Saturday, 26 April, is a part of the ongoing efforts to raise the profile and support for an independent Wales. Previous marches in towns including Caernarfon, Merthyr Tydfil, Wrexham, Bangor, Swansea, Carmarthen, and the capital, Cardiff, have each drawn significant crowds, underlining the growing momentum behind the campaign.
Barry has been selected as the latest venue for its historical resonance with the Welsh self-governance movement. In the 1890s, the town played an important role in the Cymru Fydd – or “Young Wales” – movement, which championed the cause of home rule and greater autonomy for the Welsh people. Organisers say that this legacy makes Barry an ideal setting for such a symbolic event.
The march also takes place amidst a marked increase in public support for Welsh independence, as indicated by a recent poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton, commissioned by YesCymru. According to the findings, 41% of decided voters in Wales would now opt for independence. Notably, the figures are even more striking among younger people, with 72% of those aged 25 to 34 expressing support – a clear indication of shifting attitudes among the next generation.
Local councillor and one of the march’s organisers, Mark Hooper, has spoken of the persistent “thirst for self-determination” present in Wales, remarking that it “remains as strong as ever”. He emphasised the importance of respecting Welsh history while also pushing for a future that is in tune with the country’s current needs and values.
YesCymru chair Phyl Griffiths echoed this sense of optimism, stating: “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.” Griffiths also warned, however, that change should not be driven by populism, which can create divisions. Instead, he pointed to the strong sense of community within Wales and the nation’s proud achievements in fields as diverse as science, sport, the arts, politics, and social justice.
Participants are set to gather from 11am in King Square, with the march scheduled to begin at 1pm. Following the procession through the town, a rally featuring speeches and live music will be held back at King Square. Confirmed speakers include former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, Catalan independence advocate Anna Arqué i Solsona, Plaid Cymru’s Kiera Marshall, Tessa Marshall from the Green Party, and the Welsh singer-songwriter Eädyth Crawford.
The rally will be hosted by Mark Hooper, and musical entertainment will be provided by Emma Winter, known for her appearance on the Welsh version of The Voice, “Y Llais”. Highlighting the event’s international context, Anna Arqué i Solsona will provide insights from Catalonia’s independence campaign, while video messages of support are expected from members of the International Commission of European Citizens, linking the Welsh cause to similar movements continent-wide.
The organisers hope the march will remain positive and inclusive, representing not only a political statement but also a celebration of Welsh identity and community spirit. As attention turns to Barry this weekend, it is clear that the debate over Wales’s constitutional future continues to intensify, capturing the imagination of communities both across the country and further afield.