Worcester to welcome Knife Angel in Spring 2022
The sculpture aims to raise awareness of knife crime
Last updated 27th Oct 2021
Worcester is set to welcome the Knife Angel in Spring 2022.
The 27 ft sculture is made up of over 100,000 confiscated knives from 43 police forces across the UK and aims to spread awareness of knife crime.
Councillors will discuss the significance of the Angel’s visit and the potential allocation of £7,500 to help spread its message, when the City Council’s Communities Committee meets on 3 November 2021.
The Angel is set to visit Worcester from 1 March to 31 March 2022, with the Cathedral grounds cited in the committee report as the potential location.
A series of workshops at the Cathedral, school visits, classroom activities and interactive events at the statue are set to take place.
During the month a general weapons amnesty is being proposed, in the form of a ‘surrender’ secure bin which travels with the Angel.
The Knife Angel visited Hereford in June 2021
Cllr Marc Bayliss, Leader of Worcester City Council, said: "People often think of knife crime and violence as something that happens in other cities. However, the most commonly reported types of crimes involve threats of violence without injury.
"We hope that the Knife Angel’s visit can be a catalyst for change. We will actively encourage visits from schools, colleges and community groups."
Guest speakers who have experienced violence first-hand will also talk to young people about the impact it has had – as well as the long-term consequences for perpetrators.
Worcester City Council will work with Worcester Cathedral, the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, West Mercia Police, the South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership and other partners to make the most of the Angel’s presence in the city and to ensure that its message has maximum impact.
The Knife Angel is designed by Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry.