Thousands are expected in Merthyr Tydfil today for a third march for Welsh independence.

Marches in Cardiff and Caernarfon in May and July attracted 5,000 and 8,000 participants.

Speakers at today’s march, which will begin on Penderyn Square at 12pm, will include former international footballer Neville Southall, and sports commentator and former Wales rugby international Eddie Butler.

Other speakers and performers will include Kizzy ac Eädyth Crawford, Yasmin Begum, Iain Black, the Barry Horns, Catrin Dafydd, Rachel lee Stephens, Assembly Member Delyth Jewell, Patrick Jones and Mike Jenkins.

Merthyr raised Kizzy Crawford, who will be singing at the end of the march, said: “I’m taking part in the march because I’ve been disappointed with the racism, fascism, unfairness and chaos I’ve seen in politics in recent years. I think fighting for independence is a way to combat this chaos and make a difference.”

Former Wales rugby captain and commentator Eddie Butler added: “I’ve been waiting for this moment, this awakening, for a long time… I am fully on board and the Merthyr March has been indelibly inked in the diary for weeks.”

Scotland’s The National newspaper has produced a Welsh edition for the march, with 2,000 free copies of the bilingual edition to be distributed to those taking part.

The eight-page newspaper will feature news and sport, as well as an article by Adam Price, the leader of Plaid Cymru.

A number of fringe events will also be held including a gig, a comedy night and discussions about independence organised by other groups.

The events scheduled to take place in Merthyr Tydfil today include:

10am – Towards a Wales Constitutional Convention. Castle Hotel, Merthyr

12pm – AUOBCymru march beginning on Penderyn Square

2-3pm – Undod radical independence event at Canolfan Theatr Soar

2-4pm – Wales v Ireland at Canolfan Theatr Soar

4-5pm – Dr John Ball discussing the economy and Dr Iain Black discussing the campaign in Scotland, at Canolfan Theatr Soar

4-6pm – Labour4IndyWales event for Welsh Labour members. Drinks and then a panel discussion at 5pm. At The Red House.

5-7pm – Stand Up for Wales comedy night with Steffan Alun, Eleri Morgan and Dan Thomas. £6. At Canolfan Theatr Soar

7pm – Yes is More Gig, The Marcellas + More. £10. Canolfan Theatr Soar

AUOB Cymru spokesperson Llywelyn ap Gwilym said: “The marches in Cardiff and Caernarfon have been excellent. They’ve drawn in large numbers of people, have created a buzz on social media and on TV and in print, and have really helped further the cause of independence for our country.

“With the anti-democratic mess that is currently happening in Westminster, it is more important than ever for Wales to make its voice heard, and for the people of Wales to realise that there is a viable alternative: independence.”