It's Nearly Time for Knife Angel

[Hereford Voice]

After 18 months of preparation and anticipation, the Knife Angel will finally be arriving in Hereford City Centre in less than a fortnight.

Also known as the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, this magnificent 27ft statue built from 100,000 confiscated knives and blades will come to the city on Monday 14 June and will remain in place outside the West door of Hereford Cathedral until 12 July.

Thanks to generous grant awards from West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, West Mercia Police, The National Lottery Community Fund, High Sheriffs of Herefordshire (2020/1 & 2021/2), Eveson CharitableTrust, Community Safety Partnership and the Clocktower Foundation, the Knife Angel team has been able to organise an exciting range of free-to-attend events to accompany the Knife Angel’s visit and in order to stimulate discussion on the devastating impact violence has on all our lives. These include:

• A full day virtual conference, entitled ‘Knife Angel Hereford: Crime in 2021 – From Knowledge to Practice’ (see: HERE for further information and bookings)
• A comprehensive selection of workshops to be held in locations throughout Hereford City from 21 June to 11 July. Subjects range from ‘Managing post-lockdown stress’ to interactive medical workshops and creative activities.

Further details of these free-to-attend events and booking information can be viewed on the Knife Angel’s website here

Direct Workshop booking link: https://www.facebook.com/knifeangelhereford/events

• Two walks (22nd and 27th June), arranged as part of the Herefordshire Walking Festival, which include the Knife Angel as part of their route (see: https://www.herefordshirewalkingfestival.co.uk/our-walks for further information).
• A weapons amnesty, approved by West Mercia Police, where knives, blades and other weapons can be safely disposed.

The team responsible for bringing the Knife Angel to Hereford is headed by Alison Davies, who lost her son, Mark, to knife crime in 2018, and Meryl Cain.

Alison Davies comments:

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“After more than 18 months of planning, we are delighted that the Knife Angel will arrive in Hereford later this month. We encourage everyone to come and see this magnificent statue and to get involved in the events we have organised.

“The statue is incredibly moving to see and we are hoping that it will stimulate debate and discussion around the subject of violent crime and how to prevent it. Even after the Angel has left us, we are hoping to continue with a programme of legacy events, so that important messages regarding the futility of violent crime are continued into the future.

“We are truly grateful for all the support that we have received from our partners, sponsors and volunteers.”

The Knife Angel will be located outside the cathedral and will be free to visit with no need for visitors to book in advance. Relevant precautions, including a one-way system around the Knife Angel and volunteer stewarding teams, will be in place during the day to help welcome and guide visitors. 

For further information about the Knife Angel’s visit to Hereford, please visit the dedicated website: https://knifeangelhereford.co.uk/