A record crowd joined a march and rally calling for an independent Wales at the weekend. The impressive turnout in Bangor on Saturday, the biggest yet according to the organisers AUOBCymru and YesCymru, appears to show a groundswell of support that hasn't translated at the ballot box so far.
Thousands travelled from all corners of the country, and even further afield, to make their voices heard. 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.”
Previous marches have been held in Caernarfon, Merthyr Tydfil, Wrexham, Cardiff, and most recently, Swansea. The largest of these, in Cardiff, was said to have have attracted "up to 10,000 participants".
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Actress Sera Cracroft, who was among the speakers, said it was an unforgettable event. “The dragon is a symbol of our fiery spirit and our unwavering commitment to an independent Wales,” she said.
Around 200 people commented on our coverage of the weekend's events. Many were supportive of the aims of the rally - many were not.
One who thinks the goal of an independent Wales is not an impossible dream was Nigel Pritchard. He said: "Why not? Wales is no different or any less capable of self-governance than any other nation on Earth.
"Also, dozens of countries have gained independence from the UK and not one of them has ever asked to come back, I wonder why that is?"
![A large banner is paraded through the streets](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article27773765.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_AFRDPW230923IndependenceMarchers_07jpeg.jpg)
David Smith shared that sentiment: "Great to see such a big turnout in Bangor. Wales is finally starting to wake up after being downtrodden by Westminster for so long."
John P believed an independent Wales could thrive. He said: "Wales has the second biggest aviation plant in Europe, two steel plants and a coating line, world leading power electronics and semiconductor companies, automotive engine etc. Tourism is a small sector, 6% I think, but it’s much smaller than the English tourism sector."
Others were less convinced, arguing that Wales was "too small" to govern itself. David Ellis-Jones said: "Saying as a proud Welshman! Good luck, with that! we can see how this country is being run into the ground by the Senedd already!"
Alex Finnegan said: "Good luck with that. It’s been poorly managed in last 19yrs. Please vote out Labour and Plaid. Diolch."
Edward James said: "Plaid Cymru has failed to break out of the Welsh-speaking heartlands. In fact Welsh Anglesey even has a democratically elected English Conservative MP. Most Welsh people do not want an independent Wales."
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