Knife Angel sharpens the focus on knife crime
The arrival of a powerful 27ft tall sculpture in Ely during Knife Crime Awareness Week, is highlighting the devasting impact of knife crime on families and communities.
The Knife Angel, made from over 100,000 seized blades, was created by the British Ironwork Centre to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour and the need for change.
Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We hope the Knife Angel’s presence will spark conversations of knife crime and the devasting consequences on individuals, families and communities.
“The East Cambs Community Safety Partnership brings together partners to protect the local community from crime. Their work with schools in our district to raise awareness of knife crime and the implications is much respected and is replicated in other areas.
“The arrival of the Knife Angel during Knife Crime Awareness Week is an opportunity for a powerful message, highlighting the work happening every day to keep our young people safe. Impactful interventions from the CSP, police, youth professionals, parents, carers and communities can come together to create real change in young lives.”
Throughout the sculpture’s stay there is a heavy emphasis on education, with the East Cambs CSP working with local schools to facilitate visits, workshops and programmes supporting prevention and early intervention.
Lis Every, Chair of the East Cambs CSP said: “The students will gain a great deal from participating in these sessions and I know the CSP will continue to build upon their strong foundation with the heightened awareness of the Knife Angel.
“We are grateful that knife crime in Cambridgeshire is low compared to the national level, however, no one should underestimate the impact it has.”
The stunning sculpture will be located on Palace Green, opposite Ely Cathedral, from 20 May until 17 June. Fully accessible to the public throughout its stay, the sculpture is free to attend, seven days a week.
Anna added: “The sculpture has been on tour since 2018 and we are extremely proud to be the host for its first visit to Cambridgeshire; we would encourage everyone to visit while it is here and use this as a catalyst to start those difficult but essential conversations.”
The visit coincides with a knife amnesty, with the police encouraging people to surrender weapons safely, helping to prevent further harm.
Visitors attending the Knife Angel can find information for parking and toilets on the council’s website: https://eastcambs.gov.uk/services/parking-open-spaces-and-toilets/parking-travel-and-tourism
NOTES:
Delivered by Soham Town Rangers Football Club, the project is in collaboration with partners including the police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Ely Cathedral.
About the Knife Angel:
The Knife Angel was created by the British Ironwork Centre, by the artist Alfie Bradley, and it is the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression. It’s made up of over 100,000 knives surrendered and collected in nationwide amnesties.
Read more at the Official Knife Angel page.