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News: Knife Angel | Coming to Guildford March 2023

Press Release | 18 January 2023

Thought provoking anti-violence monument to visit Guildford in March 202

Guildford Cathedral to host Knife Angel Sculpture

 

A thought-provoking monument which aims to inspire social change will visit Guildford Cathedral in March 2023 as part of the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour and Programme.

‘National Youth Anti-Violence Tour and Programme’ comes to Guildford, 1-30 March.  A month-long programme designed to raise awareness of the impact of violence and aggression in our community – including bullying, domestic abuse, hate language and the carrying and using of weapons - is being developed. Taking place in various venues in and around Guildford with the central catalyst of conversation being the 27’ ‘Knife Angel’ statue which will be outside Guildford Cathedral. Created by the British Ironworks centre in collaboration with sculptor Alfie Bradley, it is made of 100,000 knives gathered throughout the UK during knife amnesties. The Angel will inspire and provoke reflection, education and resolve to work to make all communities places without aggression or violence.

The key partners include the offices of The Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and The High Sheriff of Surrey, Surrey Police, charities including The Matrix Trust and Your Sanctuary and pupils from Christ College, Guildford. The project will see partners working together to provide workshops, lectures, and discussions to raise awareness of all aspects of violence and aggression.

The Knife Angel will be on display outside the Cathedral from Wednesday 1 March 2023 and the public will be able to view the 27ft sculpture throughout the month. A dedicated area of the Guildford Cathedral website will provide key information about the Knife Angel and scheduled events, which include exhibitions, workshops and talks to support the aim of education and awareness.

Comments

The Dean of Guildford, The Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams explains,

“I am delighted that the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour will be coming to Surrey and the centrepiece, the Knife Angel, will be on display at Guildford Cathedral. We are working with many partners, guided by young people of our community, to provide opportunities to learn more about the effects of aggression and violence among all sections of the community and to address some of the key concerns of the young people in our County, for example Domestic Violence, County Lines, bullying and violence against girls and women. The month of March provides an opportunity to work together to make the communities of Surrey even safer.”

Surrey Police, Detective Superintendent Becky Molyneux said: “We are pleased to be supporting Guildford Cathedral as they host the Knife Angel this March. We’re committed to tackling serious violence and aggression in our communities and this project will help further important conversations, discussing why people become involved in violent crimes. We would encourage the public to continue to drop off their dangerous or unwanted knives and blades at our police front counters across Surrey.”

See bottom of press release for permanent knife amnesty bin locations.

Knife Angel Needs your Support.

Help us bring Knife Angel to Guildford. There are many ways that individuals, charities, and businesses can get involved in this innovative month-long programme. We already have several local businesses on board providing either in kind or financial support.

For more information and how you can help or donate please contact Nicola Pratt, Head of Development at Guildford Cathedral on 01483 547 884  headofdevelopment@guildford-cathedral.org

Donations Page | Knife Angel Guildford

 

And of course, you can visit the monument in March.

Raise awareness by telling others the Knife Angel is coming to Guildford to encourage people to visit and engage in the aims and objectives.

 

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Guildford Cathedral

Guildford Cathedral is the newest Church of England Cathedral consecrated on a new site, and the only Cathedral dedicated to the Holy Spirit.

When WWII stopped the building process with the Cathedral partially completed, there were fears that the building would not be completed, and even talks of tearing down what was already built. But in an incredible display of support, thousands of individual bricks were bought by members of the public and community groups. Even Queen Elizabeth II joined in a bought and signed a brick. These simple gifts started the journey of the People’s Cathedral.

That support has been rewarded with a Cathedral that stands strong on Stag Hill, an instantly recognisable symbol of Guildford that can be seen from miles away, a symbol of hope and a sign of homecoming. Inside is a place of light and peace, used as both a place of worship and as a venue for the local community. The natural light that streams in highlights the open space and creates an atmosphere of stillness for all visitors. It is a space made possible by the people and used for the people.

This incredible building stands as a testament to what’s achievable when people pull together, from the passion, faith, and dedication to make this building happen in the 20th century, to today’s team who continue that dedication, faith, and mission to be Open to God, Open to All.

 

About Knife Angel

Created by the British Ironwork Centre in collaboration with sculptor Alfie Bradley the Knife Angel has been on its anti-violence tour since its completion in 2018.

Made from over 100,000 confiscated knives, which have been seized by 43 police forces from across the UK, the sculpture is a thought-provoking monument which aims to inspire social change, raising awareness of violence and aggressive behaviour, as well as memorialising those who have lost their lives to knife crime.

A remarkable sight, it is an impressive spectacle which stands at 27 feet tall and weighs well over three tonnes.

Further information about the monument and the tour is available on the official British Ironworks website: https://www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/the-knife-angel-official/
The Knife Angel can be seen in Slough for the Month of January, before moving to Gloucester for the month of February before making its journey to Guildford for March.

 

Surrey Police | Knife Amnesty Bin Locations

  • Staines Police Station, 22 Kingston Road, TW18 4LQ 
  • Guildford Police Station, Margaret Road, GU4 1QS 
  • Reigate Police Station, 79 Reigate Road, RH2 0RY
  • Woking Police Station, Station Approach, GU22 7SY
  • Elmbridge Civic Centre, High Street, KT10 9SD

Added Wednesday 18th January 2023