Roads closed as Knife Angel arrives in Somerset
The thought-provoking art installation will remain on show all this month in Taunton
The 'Knife Angel' sculpture - made from 100,000 knives seized by police forces across Britain - arrives in Somerset today.
The 27ft structure, weighing 3.5 tonnes, is touring the country to 'raise better awareness of how violent and aggressive behaviour effects our communities'.
It will remain on show at Taunton's Market House in Fore Street until April 30. A ceremony will be held in Taunton at 1pm hosted by Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber who died in last year's Nottingham attacks.
Mrs Webber said: “We are still trying to process the devastating loss of our beautiful boy. The cruel and senseless way that he was taken from us and denied his bright future, hurts every single day. Violent crimes, especially knife crime, are at an epidemic level in our country and is something that must be addressed urgently.
“We are glad to offer any support that we can in ensuring this impactful, important and educational visit serves its purpose.
“We are deeply touched at how the people of Somerset have supported us during the past tragic months and are grateful that funds raised will also be supporting the foundation that we have created in Barnaby’s name.”
There will be a number of road closures in the centre of Taunton today betwen 12pm and 3pm as a result of the Knife Angel's arrival and opening ceremony.
A council spokesperson said: "Whilst Somerset remains a safe place to live with relatively low levels of knife crime, we fully support the aims of the sculpture and strongly condemn all forms of violence."
There's more about the Knife Angel here
Over the next month, Somerset is backing a 'Ribbons of Reflection' which sees Community Interest Company GoCreate Taunton ' producing three site specific art installations in the town centre to offer reflection and public interaction that promotes awareness as well as inclusion'.
A spokesperson added: "You are encouraged to take part by adding a ribbon to the designated areas in Castle Green, The Knife Angel site and Taunton Minster. Ribbons can be collected from Taunton Visitor Centre, Museum of Somerset and Taunton Minster free of charge."
Adam Fouracre founded Stand Against Violence after his brother, Lloyd died due to a violent attack in Taunton in 2005. He said: “It is a terrific opportunity to be involved in supporting the Knife Angel project in Somerset where my brother lost his life to mindless violence.
“The Knife Angel doesn’t just represent the victims who have lost their lives to knife attacks but to all victims of violent acts. We still have a long way to go to see an end to violence in this country, but it begins with awareness and education - something that we hope the Knife Angel will bring and that we can absolutely support."
The sculpture will move to Weston-super-Mare on 30 April, to be hosted by neighbouring North Somerset Council throughout May.