Dafydd Iwan slams protesters for using his song

Welsh folk musician Dafydd Iwan, singer of the famous Welsh anthem Yma o Hyd, has demanded organisers of an anti-asylum seeker protest in Wales stop using his song as part of their campaigning.

Mr Iwan's song is famously sung by Welsh football and rugby fans, but he is angry that it has recently also been used to promote a march opposing proposed asylum seeker accommodation in Wrexham.

A group known as Wrexham Unite is arranging the demonstration in the city centre at midday on Saturday with ongoing discussions with police to confirm the arrangements. A counter-demonstration is also being planned.

It comes after a proposal to use former care home Plas yn Rhos in the village of Rhosllanerchrugog for asylum seeker accommodation.

Wrexham council has also stated that Clear Springs has submitted an application for Oak Alyn Hall, Sydallt, Gwersyllt, to be utilised for asylum accommodation - though the property's owner has dismissed speculation that it is designated for asylum seekers.

In a post on X Mr Iwan told followers: "Whoever is organising the right wing protest next Saturday in Wrecsam, STOP USING MY SONG!!!! I do not want to be linked to your hate-driven campaign."

Yma o Hyd translates to We Are Still Here in English and was recorded by Mr Iwan and the folk band Ar Log in 1983. The song celebrates the survival of the Welsh language and culture over the centuries.

One follower said: "Well said Dafydd. Yma O Hyd and the right wingers go together like oil and water."

Another added: "You tell 'em Dafydd! There's no place for their hate in Cymru."

Although one person said: "Protecting Welsh speaking communities from English settlers/retirees was never 'far right' or 'hate-driven' in the eyes of Welsh nationalists but the same people label anyone opposing mass migration as racist or 'far right'. I think you're all f****** hypocrites."

Wrexham Unite replied: "Thank you for the music."

This isn't the first occasion Mr Iwan has addressed this matter, as the song has been previously appropriated at other anti-migrant demonstrations across Wales.

He previously said: "Yma o Hyd is a song of hope for everyone who calls Wales home. No one has my permission to use it to promote hatred."