Monument Bee made out of seized guns and knives set to tour Walsall schools
The Manchester Anti-Violence Monument Bee will arrive in Walsall today.
A unique giant bee made out of seized knives and guns will be touring Walsall schools as part of an anti-violence campaign.
The Manchester Anti-Violence Monument Bee will be arriving in Walsall on Monday (17 June) and will be available for local schools until 22 July.
Made from thousands of weapons, including knives and guns collected from the streets of Manchester, the monument, mounted on a triple-axle trailer, was originally situated in the city but is now touring the UK to offer anti-violence education.
It is hoped the Monument Bee will be used as an educational talking point and a catalyst for discussion about knife crime and the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.
It follows a visit by the Knife Angel back in December - a 27ft structure made out of 100,000 seized blades.
Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, Commander at Walsall LPA, said: “The Knife Angel left behind a wonderful legacy. Thousands of people saw it in the town and we know that its presence started lots of conversations – that’s exactly what we hoped would happen.
“The Manchester Monument Bee can continue on from this and it is great to see schools signing up to host the monument for a day. We need children to get talking about knife crime.
“Knives are everywhere, in everyone’s homes. As a society, in our homes, in our classrooms, with friends on the streets, we need to have meaningful conversations about #LifeorKnife.”
Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris said, “Our young people deserve to feel safe on the streets of Walsall, and we hope the bee will act as a great talking point in schools, where pupils can speak with peers openly and honestly, in a safe environment.
“Schools have been able to book the bee for a day, and can host assemblies, talks, or even creative activities such as drawing, centred around the monument and its symbolism.
“Too many lives are lost to knife crime and the council is fully committed to working with partners, communities and our young people to help reduce it.”