An awe-inspiring Knife Angel sculpture, made from over 100,000 seized blades, will be travelling to Newark as part of the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour.
The sculpture, which was specifically created by the British Ironwork Centre, took over two years to create with support from police forces. They provided over 200,000 knives removed from the streets, more than double the number needed to make the sculpture, with excess knives being recycled.
Many of the blades used to create the wings are inscribed with the names of lost loved ones of the 80 or so families who have supported the project. These are often messages of loss and love to those who have tragically died from a knife attack or injury.
Not only does the angel highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour and act as a catalyst for turning the tide on violent acts, but it also serves as a beautiful memorial designed to celebrate the lives of those who have been lost through these violent and thoughtless actions.
Newark and Sherwood District Council, along with We Are Newark and You Can Do Sport, worked in partnership to bring this temporary installation to Newark, the first town in Nottinghamshire to host the display.
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The Knife Angel is awe-inspiring, and I hope many residents in Newark and the surrounding areas come to visit this magnificent piece of art.
“It’s a real privilege to have it in our town, and not only is it inspirational, but it also carries an important message about the dangers of knife crime and delivers a strong anti-violence message.
“Knife crime is a plight across the country, and I really hope this hits home to those involved in this crime about the fear and harm they cause.”
Emma Holden, Project Manager of We Are Newark, said: “We are delighted that, thanks to the commitment and collaboration of our partners, we have been able to secure Newark as part of the Knife Angel tour.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our town to host such a powerful, thought-provoking and nationally significant sculpture.
“We Are Newark are honoured and privileged to be part of the project team, working together to deliver an exciting and educational 30-day programme of events that will engage our community, spark important conversations, and create a lasting legacy for Newark.”
Natalia Postlethwaite, Director of You Can Do Sport, said: “We have a fantastic community in Newark, and it’s so heart-warming to have received an overwhelmingly positive response to this, with so many people and organisations now coming together and contributing their ideas, time and resources.
“You Can Do Sport, We Are Newark, Newark and Sherwood District Council, and Newark Town Council have formed a team to drive the project – and more and more people and organisations are offering to play their part every day.
“We have some really exciting and ambitious plans in the pipeline, with the Knife Angel at the epicentre, which in itself has involved a huge amount of effort and input from so many.”
The Knife Angel will be in Newark town centre from 21 April 2026 until 20 May 2026, with the exact location to be announced soon. To find out the latest updates, follow the Newark and Sherwood District Council Facebook page.
While the sculpture is in the town, there will be a vast programme of educational awareness activities through schools and community events to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime.
The angel is now the UK’s most travelled monument, having travelled to more than 50 cities and towns across the United Kingdom, including Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester, among many others. It has travelled thousands of miles, addressing millions of people with an anti-violence message.
