Community of Newark and Sherwood unites to reflect and look ahead as part of the Knife Angel Closing Ceremony

Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with We are Newark, You Can Do Sport, Newark College and Your CVS organised a whole host of engaging and educational activities while the Knife Angel has been in Newark with the closing ceremony acting as one of its final events.  

One of these activities included schools across the district creating their own angel designs with messages of peace which were on display at the church during the event.

At the closing ceremony, local residents across Newark and Sherwood joined together to look back on the success of the Knife Angel and the impact it has had on the community. The event featured a service by Reverend Danny Marshall, a speech by Lord Lieutenant Veronica Pickering MBS HAC and readings by Dawn Kinsella of Ben Kinsella Trust and Adele Cook of Cookies Crusaders. Both Dawn and Adele have family members who were victims of knife crime.

Local schools gave a number of performances including Barnby Road Academy who performed a dance performance choreographed by Newark Dance Academy. Several other schools joined together to create the Angel Choir who sang during the ceremony too.

A number of songs were also performed by Newark Town band throughout the event. Towards the end of the ceremony a speech was given by Natalia Hart of You Can Do Sport and Emma Holden of We Are Newark.

A final thank you was conducted by Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, he said: “As we gather today for the closing ceremony of the Knife Angel’s time in Newark, I want to reflect on the extraordinary impact this sculpture has had, not only on the town, but on Nottinghamshire and further afield. From the moment this awe-inspiring sculpture arrived, the Knife Angel became a catalyst. A conversation starter. A mirror held up to society. And a powerful reminder of the lives affected by violence.

“Over these past weeks, we have seen people travel from across the county and far beyond to see the Knife Angel, to take part in the events, and to add their voices to the message it carries. Schools, families, community groups, and individuals of all ages have come together - some to learn, some to reflect, and some to heal. The response has been striking, humbling, and deeply moving.

“None of this happened by chance. The programme of events that surrounded the Knife Angel was the result of hard work, dedication, and partnership. Teams from the District Council, across our local services, charities, schools, and community organisations have worked tirelessly to create something meaningful and memorable. Their collaboration has shown what can be achieved when we unite behind a shared purpose. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every person and every organisation who played a part. Your commitment has made a real difference.

“As the Knife Angel leaves us, I hope, and I believe, that its legacy will remain. The conversations it sparked must continue. The awareness it raised must not fade. And the actions we take from this point forward must honour the message at the heart of this. A commitment to carry forward what we have learned, to support those who need us, and to work together for a future where the Knife Angel’s message is no longer a warning, but a reminder of how far we’ve travelled.”

After the ceremony, a procession took place from the church finishing at the Knife Angel statue where a blessing was made by Reverend Danny Marshall.

The Knife Angel will be leaving Newark on Tuesday 19 May where it will be travelling to Ely for an opening ceremony on Wednesday 20 May.

For more information on the Knife Angel visit, go to: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/knifeangel/