Hundreds of campaigners are expected at the site of the Tryweryn dam today (Saturday, July 10) to protest against "the market forces and Welsh Government policies that threaten the destruction of of Cymru's communities and language."
The protest, organised by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, will begin at 13:00.
Llety Arall founder Menna Machreth, singer Dafydd Iwan, Plaid Cymru MS Mabon ap Gwynfor, and former Labour candidate Cian Ireland will all address the crowd.
Tens of prominent figures from the fields of culture, politics, and business will sign a call on the Welsh Government "to take urgent and radical action to ensure that local communities are able to control the housing market and the planning process to secure homes for 'their people'".
Speaking ahead of the rally, Mabli Siriol Jones, National Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, said: "The housing market is causing different problems in different areas, but the result is the same: that young people cannot afford homes in their own communities. Attendees at the Tryweryn Rally will call on the government to take real action for social justice and the continuation of Welsh as a community language.
“We don't need further pilot projects, consultations, nor insubstantial statements from the Welsh Government. Action is needed.
"As a matter of urgency, we are calling for taxes to be introduced on tourism, on landlord profits, and on second homes, and to invest the money in local communities and bring empty and second homes back into use for local people. We are also calling for a Property Act that will put community control on the housing market and planning process, change the definition of affordable housing, control house prices and rent, and cap the number of second and holiday homes in any community.
“The answers are with us, what is needed is political will. This is an opportunity for the Government to listen and act in the interests of ordinary people to secure a home for all, and strong, Welsh speaking communities throughout the country. ”