Knife Angel coming to Harlow
It's arriving on September 1st
Harlow Council have announced the imminent arrival of the National Youth Anti-Violence Tour & Programme, featuring the renowned Knife Angel sculpture, from the 1st September.
Organized in collaboration with the Tommy Jones Project, the initiative aims to shed light on the devastating impact of knife crime while fostering a united front against violence within our community.
From 1st September until 30th September 2023, the Playhouse Square in Harlow will serve as the temporary home for The Knife Angel, providing residents and visitors alike an opportunity to engage with the symbol of 'peace and hope'. The event will kick off with an opening ceremony on 1st September at 6pm, and a closing ceremony is scheduled for 30th September at 6 pm.
The Knife Angel, a towering 27-foot sculpture, is entirely crafted from confiscated knives, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the damage caused by knife crime. As it graces Playhouse Square, it's hoped the artwork will act as a catalyst for essential conversations, education, and positive change within our community.
Melanie Hopwood, Founder of the Tommy Jones Project, shared her enthusiasm, stating: "We are thrilled to bring The Knife Angel to Harlow, empowering our youth and raising awareness about the consequences of violence. As someone who has lost their son to the tragedy of knife crime, I am passionate and committed to spreading the message that The Knife Angel stands for – that violence is never the answer. Through this initiative, we strive to foster a community that rejects violence and embraces compassion and understanding."
Cllr Stacy Seales, cabinet portfolio holder for community, echoed this sentiment, saying: "Harlow Council is honored to host The Knife Angel, an extraordinary symbol that highlights the devastating consequences of violence. Two of our priorities are to restore pride in Harlow and improve council services by ensuring the safety of our community. By bringing The Knife Angel to Playhouse Square, we are taking a significant step towards raising awareness about the impact of serious violence. We are working closely with Essex Police and other stakeholders to tackle the root causes of violence and create a secure environment for everyone in Harlow. Through events like The Knife Angel exhibition and the accompanying programs, we are fostering open conversations and engaging our residents in finding proactive solutions. Together with our community, we will build a stronger Harlow that rejects violence and embraces unity. We invite all residents and visitors to join us in this endeavor by visiting The Knife Angel and participating in the events and educational initiatives that will run alongside it."
In addition to the exhibition, a comprehensive programme of events and educational initiatives will run alongside The Knife Angel. These activities will provide opportunities for residents of all ages to learn about the impacts of violence, explore proactive solutions, and engage in meaningful dialogue. To find out more about the schedule and how to get involved, please visit our Knife Angel page.