Hundreds of people took to the streets of Cardiff to protest Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK next week.
The US President is expected to arrive in the UK on Monday for his first state visit and will be greeted at Buckingham Palace gardens as part of a special head of state ceremony.
During his three-day visit, the President and First Lady Melania Trump will meet members of the Royal Family for a ceremonial welcome and private lunch and will also meet with Prime Minister Theresa May and key business leaders.
But since the visit was announced by Buckingham Palace in April, many have criticised the move, and when Trump visited the UK last year there were widespread protests.
And in Cardiff on Saturday, more than 200 people took to the streets of Cardiff city centre to protest the visit and Trump's controversial views and policies.
The group congregated outside City Hall at 12pm for a peaceful demonstration before marching down Queen Street and heading back to City Hall.
Speaking during the demonstration, Kris Hedges, joint secretary of Stand up to Racism, said: “We're here today in protest of Donald Trump. They shouldn't be rolling out the red carpet for him.
“What he has done is despicable.”
Along with Stand up to Racism, Cardiff Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Wales Equality Alliance, Cardiff Extinction Rebellion, Women's Strike Assembly Cymru and Cardiff People's Assembly were at the event - armed with placards and loudspeakers.
One of the the three guest speakers, Jenny Charles, from Wales Equality Alliance, said: “This gathering is a protest about Donald Trump's visit.
“We're going to be pointing out the dangers of the far-right and how they have gained influence. For example, this week he has personally endorsed Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson.
“The American far-right movement is spreading across Europe and causing divisions within communities.
“I'm a trans woman and I'm worried about the attacks on LGBT+ people and women and the normalisation of those attacks."
As well as activist groups and members of the public, Cardiff Feminist Book Club also joined the demonstration.
Eli Puzey said: "We’re here to protest Trump's state visit. His racist, misogynist rhetoric is not in line with our values."
Widespread protests are also expected to take place in cities across the UK in the run-up to Trump’s visit, with thousands expected to head to London on Tuesday.
