BNP defends Llandrinio weekend festival

The British National Party (BNP) has defended its decision to host an Indigenous Family Weekend in Llandrinio, despite opposition from locals who were unaware it was taking place.

Over 200 adults and children attended the event along with its leader Nick Griffin who was filmed in a BNP video (right) talking to the camera from the banks of the River Severn, with Rodney’s Pillar behind.

But local residents have contacted mywelshpool claiming that they were totally unaware that the event was even taking place.

“I am not happy at all; something has gone wrong somewhere.” said one local man who asked not to be named. “To think this organisation was holding an event of this magnitude in our backyard without receiving prior warning is outrageous.

“We have all seen the trouble caused wherever this party goes – granted most of the time it is by people who oppose them – so it did make us feel very uncomfortable to know this was happening over the weekend.”

But the BNP has praised the village saying it was selected because of its “beautiful location and availability”.

Communications Manager Paul Golding said: “The recent family weekend, hosted by the Indigenous Forum, was a great success with no problems whatsoever. The event was a chance for native British people to take pride in their history, culture and heritage, free from politically correct interference and persecution.”

No trouble was reported, although it is believed there was a solitary dispute over a ramblers’ right-of-way being blocked.

Local police confirmed that they had responded to only one complaint all weekend. The event is thought to have paid for its own security, having kept it off the radar to avoid confrontation with opposition groups.

The right wing political party’s TV arm has posted an eight-minute video on its web site (above). Mr. Griffin, who lives near Llanerfyl, appears in the video along with members of the British National Bikers who organised the weekend-long festival.

In 2001, Welshpool hit the headlines when 150 police kept BNP members and anti-Nazi protesters apart at the party’s annual Red, White and Blue festival which was held near the town.