PROTESTORS will to take to the streets of Denbigh for an annual demonstration against a statue.

A group of musicians and residents from Bangor and surrounding villages will protest against the statue dedicated to Denbigh-born Henry Morton Stanley, the nineteenth-century journalist and explorer known for his exploration of central Africa and his search for Christian missionary David Livingstone.

The protestors will hold their seventh annual demonstration against the statue at 11am on Saturday, August 18 that was erected by Denbigh Town Council in 2010 as they say it 'glorifies' his legacy.

The statue has attracted criticism due to H. M. Stanley's involvement in the plundering of the Congo Basin on behalf of King Leopold II of Belgium and his command of the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition.

A spokesperson for Bangor Live said: "The event is organised by artist Wanda Zyborska from Menai Bridge on behalf of all those concerned by Denbigh council's decision in 2010 to glorify H. M. Stanley as an unblemished hero with a celebratory statue in the town."

Ms Zyborska, from Menai Bridge said: “I created a black rubber sheath to ceremoniously fit over the statue as part of the annual funeral procession to draw attention to the millions of African people who died or were mutilated as a result of Stanley's exploits in the Congo rubber industry.

“We usually sing some African songs and people make speeches about Stanley. All are welcome”.

The protest is part of a campaign started in reaction to the statue from writers and academics on African history, religious leaders and African aid organisations, as well as opposition from people of Congolese ancestry.

When asked about the protests, Gwyneth Kensler, councillor for Denbigh declined to comment.