Thousands have filled the streets of Bangor to march in support for Welsh Independence. The cathedral city is a sea of flags and banners for the rally organised by YesCymru and AUOBCymru. Campaingners have been gathering since late morning with the march expected to start after 1pm.
They take a route through Bangor High Street, onto Glynne Road, and then down Deiniol Road before returning to Glanrafon Car Park for a rally. There will be music and guest speakers including Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Sera Cracroft, Joseph Gnagbo, Bryn Fôn, Fleur De Lys.
Geraint Thomas, one of the event organisers said: "I'm delighted that Gwynedd will once again play host to the AUOBCymru and YesCymru march for independence. With over 8,000 attendees at the march in Caernarfon back in 2019, we are hopeful to surpass that figure in Bangor this time." Read our story and view our gallery of images from the day here
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Find out what's happening on the roads near you
'Biggest' so far
A break in this week's terrible weather proved well-timed for today's independence march and rally in Bangor. Organisers believe the event was the biggest of the six marches that have now taken place - and that it shows support for independence is growing. You can read more about this here.
Celebrations are continuing into the evening with a ticket-only "Indy Gig" at Theatr Bryn Terfel, Pontio.
'One day Cymru will be independent'
'Fantastic turnout' at today's rally in Bangor....
Brilliant day and fantastic turnout for the @YesCymru march in Bangor. One day Cymru will be independent ✊️ #annibyniaeth #yescymru #Bangor pic.twitter.com/4aKUOaSUbZ
— Bob (@huw_huwbob) September 23, 2023
'They cannot stop us'
Speaking at the rally, in the shadow of the city’s cathedral, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said....
While the forces of Westminster are trying their best to stop us, they cannot stop a nation that is on a journey towards its rightful place in the world.
Protest song
A warning from Gwynedd/Ynys Môn band Fleur de Lys.
Fleur de Kts yn rali #annibyniaeth Bangor. Swnio'n wych, hyd yn oed yr haul wedi dod allan. Great song by Fluer de Lys on danger of Wales being turned into a supermarket for rich people. Today's #indywales march. pic.twitter.com/pXaMsMvHpn
— YesCymruAber (@AberYesCymru) September 23, 2023
Dragon roars
Leading the march was a 10 metre-long Welsh dragon crafted by the artist-led organisation Small World Theatre.
Yes Cymru march, Bangor pic.twitter.com/Hc7uiiuVGX
— Sunny (@soulaceltic) September 23, 2023
Crowd estimate rises to more than 10,000
Latest feedback from organisers suggests between 10,000 and 11,000 people have joined today's march and rally in Bangor. This has yet to be confirmed.
A similar event in Caernarfon in 2019 attracted 8,000 supporters.
Plaid leader
Among the marchers is Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. At the rally he will be joined by speakers Sera Cracroft, Joseph Gnagbo, Bryn Fôn and Fleur De Lys, among others.
Crowds initially estimated at 6,000
Initial estimates suggest 6,000 people have joined today's independence march and rally, organisers say. But the figure may rise as more accurate counts come in.
Due to the numbers of people expected to attend the march, North Wales Police and Cyngor Gwynedd had asked supporters to use public transport where possible and to arrive early.
Marching through the streets
The march sets off.
Gathering point
Supporters began gathering at Glanrafon Car Park from 11am with their flags, posters and banners.
March route
The march began at 1 pm and is following a route through Bangor High Street, onto Glynne Road, and then down Deiniol Road before returning to Glanrafon Car Park for the rally.
Mass support
Supporters have arrived in the city from across Wales, with buses laid on for groups.
Organisers are hoping to match or exceed the 8,000 attendance at a similar rally in Caernarfon in 2019.
Signing in
Good afternoon, Prynhawn Da. Thanks for joining us - we'll bring you updates and photos from today's march in Bangor.
