Extraordinary scenes at Stradey Park Hotel as protesters occupy grounds

There were extraordinary scenes at the Stradey Park Hotel today Sunday (Oct 1) as protesters made their way into the hotel grounds and up to the front entrance of the hotel.

A small number of police stood back in the main as hundreds of people broke through the fencing and security cordon to enter the grounds. A large number of motorcyclists also rode into the car park.

Protesters hoisted Welsh flags and sung Dafydd Iwan’s anthem, Yma o Hyd. Some were dressed in traditional Welsh costumes or as cockle pickers, some wore masks including the Guido Fawkes mask synonymous with the anonymous movement.

Their mission appeared to be one of a unified protest and show of strength. It was buoyed by a drive by of a large number of vehicles, which added to the noise and confusion along the road to the hotel and consumed much of the time and attention of the police who were present.

Fireworks were set off some while protesters did the conga through the grounds. This appeared to be a major embarrassment for Dyfed-Powys Police.

Security guards who had been on the balcony quickly disappeared inside. The protest was peaceful and it is not understood if any arrests were made or will be made. We have contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for comment. Footage of a knife being handed between security guards has also been posted on social media. It is understood that Dyfed-Powys Police are investigating the incident.

The hotel has become the focal point of a campaign by protesters to stop it being used to house asylum seekers. A video which appeared on Youtube has gathered numerous comments in support of the action.