Thought provoking anti-violence monument visiting Gloucester

• A thought provoking monument which aims to inspire social change is coming to Gloucester as part of the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour & Programme
• It is hoped the so-called ‘Knife Angel’ will raise awareness of all aspects of violence, including knife crime.
• The 27 foot statue, made from over 100,000 knives confiscated by police forces around the UK, will be on display outside the entrance to Gloucester Cathedral
• The event is supported by county wide organisations that have come together through the Stronger, Safer Gloucester community safety partnership to bring the striking symbol of peace to the city.
• Partnership chair Ruth Saunders said, “We are keen to welcome this important artwork to our city and use the opportunity to encourage reflection, debate and community engagement about the issues of violence and aggression.

A thought provoking monument which aims to inspire social change will be at Gloucester Cathedral throughout February as part of the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour & Programme.

The National Monument for Serious Violence and Aggression, the Knife Angel, is being supported by county wide organisations that have come together through the Stronger, Safer Gloucester community safety partnership to bring the striking symbol of peace to the city.

The eight key partners include Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester City Council, Gloucestershire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucester BID, Gloucester City Safe and NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board.

The project will see them all working together to host the Angel, which aims to raise awareness of all aspects of violence, including knife crime.

“This month of events will enable us all to start conversations and commit to further action as we seek to work together even more closely to end violence on our streets and in our homes.”

The Knife Angel will be on display in Cathedral Green from Wednesday 1 February and the public will be able to view the 27ft sculpture throughout the month. A dedicated website will provide key information about the Knife Angel and scheduled events, exhibitions, and training opportunities to support the aim of education and awareness.

Canon Rebecca Lloyd, Canon Chancellor and Director of Learning and Participation at Gloucester Cathedral said: “It’s a great privilege for Gloucester Cathedral to be hosting the Knife Angel, working together with so many partner organisations across the city and the county. We’re looking forward to highlighting the vital work that’s already being done to reduce violence and fear in our communities.

“We hope that as many people as possible will come to see the sculpture and take part in the associated events across the city, and that this month of events will enable us all to start conversations and commit to further action as we seek to work together even more closely to end violence on our streets and in our homes.”

It aims to offer a wide range of education and awareness that we can share with our communities to keep people safe from harm.

Chair of the Gloucester Stronger, Safer Partnership, Ruth Saunders, said: “We are keen to welcome this important artwork to our city and use the opportunity to encourage reflection, debate and community engagement about the issues of violence and aggression. We are grateful to all our partners and the community especially those who have been affected by these issues for working with us and helping to make this visit possible.”

Chief Superintendent Jane Probert, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “Gloucestershire Constabulary is proud to support the Knife Angel. It aims to offer a wide range of education and awareness that we can share with our communities to keep people safe from harm.”

Further information about the monument and the tour is available on the official British Ironworks website: Official Knife Angel Page | The British Ironwork Centre