National Monument Against Violence and Aggression is coming to Hereford
The Knife Angel is coming to Hereford in June 2021 for 28 Days, hosted by Hereford Cathedral. The Knife Angel is a stunning 27ft, 3.5 ton, sculpture of an angel made out of 100,000 confiscated knives received from 43 Police Forces across the UK.
Originating from The British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry and created by sculptor Alfie Bradley, it has been on tour of towns and cities around Britain raising awareness of the issues of knife crime and all forms of violence and aggression.
Hosting the Knife Angel shows that Herefordshire residents recognise that society as a whole has a unified responsibility to tackle and prevent violent crime, resonating with all of us as we listen to daily news and reports of violent crime, lives ruined and lost. It is an intergenerational focal point to question these senseless losses and support the police and schools education programmes. To educate children, young people and adults about the catastrophic effect violence and aggression has on individuals, families and the community. The sculpture also stands as a memorial to lives ruined and lost.
During the Knife Angel’s visit there will be a series of workshops and interactive events. It is envisaged that this initiative will continue after the Knife Angel leaves Hereford. The majority of host towns & cities to date have had a knife amnesty whilst the Angel is in situ. There will be a general weapons amnesty, with the approval of West Mercia Police. There is a “knife surrender” secure bin which travels with the Angel.
Keep an eye out here for planned event details.
Fundraising – Funds are needed to finance workshops, educational programmes, conferences, promotional campaigns and literature, printing costs, lighting, insurance, plus 24-hour security. The most costly of all is 24/7 security, circa £26k for this valuable and unique statue. There is a voluntary team heading up the funding program and a JustGiving page is in place and crowdfunding will be initiated in the near future. More updates on here as they are released.
Contact details for the Knife Angel Hereford Team as follows:-
Tel: 07917 162172
E-mail: knifeangelhereford@gmail.com
Website: www.knifeangelhereford.co.uk
Facebook: @knifeangelhereford
JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/knifeangelhereford
The Knife Angel will be free to view and will be on display from 1 -29 June 2021 outside Hereford Cathedral.