Knife Angel illuminated in Newark to send message of hope

During its stay, the Knife Angel will serve as a powerful symbol for anti-violence and knife crime awareness, with Newark and Sherwood District Council and We are Newark organising a host of activities designed to engage residents and visitors in meaningful, inclusive ways that promote kindness and safety.

The opening ceremony, which was held at Newark Town Hall on Thursday 23 April, began with a number of official representatives speaking about the importance of anti-violence awareness including Deputy Lieutenant Steff Wright, Chief Superintendent Nick Waldram from the Nottinghamshire Police and Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Deputy Lieutenant Steff Wright, said: “I've just walked around the corner into the Market Square, and my first reaction on seeing the Knife Angel was, ‘Wow’, what a powerful image and what an opportunity for Newark to use this as a trigger for real change."

“The Angel is here with us for a month, so it's an opportunity for the next four weeks to have different conversations. Not the same ones we always have, the ones that end with the same shrugs, the same headlines, the same violence, and the same candles on the pavement. Different conversations. Conversations that lead to different outcomes. Because if we keep doing what we're doing, we're going to always keep getting what we get. And that's not good enough.

“It's not good enough for the victims and it's not good enough for the families that they leave behind.

“A knife, for too many young people, has become a coping mechanism. Those that have brought the Angel to our town have created an opportunity to build something better for them to reach for. So please, don't leave here tonight and just remember this event as another interesting evening.

“Leave here and have different conversations. Make the phone call, offer to help, speak up when you would normally stay quiet. Change starts from within this room, in this town over the next four weeks. Violence and more war is never inevitable. Peace is always worth the jaw-jaw. And different conversations is how that begins.”

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This was a poignant evening to officially mark, and illuminate, the Knife Angel’s visit to Newark. Already the reaction of local people so far has been overwhelming, and lots have made the journey to see this remarkable structure.

“Hosting the Knife Angel is an honour for Newark and Sherwood, a reflection of our district’s commitment to raising national awareness of knife crime and its devastating impact. 

“A comprehensive programme of workshops, school sessions, events and training will run throughout the Knife Angel’s stay, helping residents understand how to spot risks, support others and report concerns wherever they visit in the UK. 

“Our goal is to stand united with other towns hosting the Knife Angel across the UK, to empower people to become advocates where violence is never seen as an option, helping to create a safer future for themselves and their peers. 

“Although knife crime in Newark is relatively low compared to many parts of the UK, every incident causes real harm. The Knife Angel’s national tour is a catalyst for action – encouraging people across the UK to choose not to carry knives and safely surrender knives, choosing peace.”

Chief Superintendent Nick Waldram from the Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The Knife Angel stands not as a piece of art alone, but as a reminder. A reminder of lives lost, families shattered, and communities changed forever by knife violence.

“Each blade that forms this sculpture once had the potential to cause harm. Together, they now tell a different story - one of remembrance, responsibility, and resolve.

“At Nottinghamshire Police, reducing violence and knife crime is one of our highest priorities. We work closely with the Nottinghamshire Violence Reduction Partnership, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, military partners, local authorities, health, education, and voluntary organisations to tackle the root causes of serious violence, not just the consequences.

“Strong links with schools, cadet schemes, and youth services, helping young people understand the real-world dangers of carrying knives - and the value of choosing a different path through education and understanding of the impact of knife crime.

“Carrying a knife does not make you safer. It does not make you stronger. And it does not make things better. Too often, a single moment - one decision made in fear, anger, or pressure leads to consequences that change lives forever.”

Several awards were handed out to a number of groups and representatives for their hard work in taking positive action in combating knife crime. These included to Gary Godden on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mayor Barbara Corrigan on behalf of Newark Town Council, Damien West on behalf of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Martin Crosser on behalf of Charlie’s Promise, Adele Cook on behalf of Cookies Crusaders, Dawn Kinsella on behalf of The Ben Kinsella Trust and many more.

During the opening ceremony, Reverand Danny Marshall blessed the Knife Angel, and it was then illuminated by Deputy Lieutenant Steff Wright, Councillor Barbara Corrigan, Mayor of Newark Town Council, and Councillor Linda Tift, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Anyone attending was then able to place special peace ribbons on the railings to offer messages of peace.

Each evening the Knife Angel will be illuminated. A diverse programme of community events and activities is also taking place until 17 May 2027. The events programme includes market stalls attended by local community groups, educational talks and workshops with schools across Newark and Sherwood.

You can find the full events programme and details of how to get involved at: www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/knifeangel