A MARCH for Welsh independence this weekend is to be led for the first time by a 10-metre-long dragon created by a theatre organisation.
The event in Bangor will be taking place on Saturday and will include a speech from the new leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth.
He became the leader in June and has said he is excited about convincing more people why Wales should be independent and become a more prosperous nation.
The march – run by YesCymru and AUOBCymru - will be led through the city by a 10-foot Welsh dragon, crafted by the artist-led organisation Small World Theatre.
Organiser Geraint Thomas said it is hoped attendance can surpass the 8000 that attended a march in the Gwynedd region back in 2019.
He said: “I'm delighted that Gwynedd will once again play host to the AUOBCymru and YesCymru march for independence. With over 8000 attendees at the march in Caernarfon back in 2019, we are hopeful to surpass that figure in Bangor this time.
"The anticipation is high as we prepare to welcome individuals from across Wales to Bangor. As organisers, we are working diligently to ensure that this will be one of the best marches yet.”
Following the march a rally is to be held at Glanrafon car park which will feature a large stage and screen, speakers, and live music.
Ap Iorwerth will be among the speakers and said ahead of the event: "I'm looking forward to joining thousands of people once again to clearly state our support for an independent Wales, this time in Bangor.
"This is not as good as it gets for Wales - we can aim higher as a nation, and indeed we must. It is clear to me that we have so much to offer - in our people, our natural resources, in our distinctiveness, our community enterprise and our ingenuity. Wales can stand on its own two feet.
"Independence is a normal state for a country to exist in, and that is what we are aiming for. I'm excited about my role as Plaid Cymru leader - to convince more and more people just why we’re on this journey towards an independent Wales, towards a Wales that is more prosperous, fairer, greener and more ambitious."
Marches for Welsh independence have attracted up to 10,000 participants which YesCymru says underlines the “growing interest” in the pursuit of an independent Wales.
A Redfield and Wilton Strategies poll in August showed support for independence had risen with an equal split of the population believing there should be a referendum in the next year.
It said 38% of people would vote Yes if there were to be a referendum tomorrow on the question "should Wales be an independent country?".
