Weston-Super-Mare to welcome 'Knife Angel' from this week

Weston-Super-Mare will be hosting the ‘Knife Angel’ at the Italian Gardens throughout the month of May.

The iconic 27-feet-tall statue was designed by Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre (BIC) and created from over 100,000 knives and blades confiscated by the UK’s 43 police forces, and has been touring nationwide to highlight the issue of violent crime.

A knife amnesty will also take place throughout the month, with anyone able to dispose of blades with no questions asked and no fear of reprisals.

Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, said: “Violent crime, including knife crime, is a major issue across the UK. The Knife Angel symbolises the devastating impacts that this can have on communities.

“Securing the Knife Angel’s visit to North Somerset will serve as a catalyst for us, and our partners, to highlight violent crime through a month of action. We want to make sure the Knife Angel’s powerful message leaves a positive and lasting impact.

“It also provides an opportunity for us to showcase the fantastic work already being done to address violence. This includes our multi-agency VRU, as well as our Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls team.”

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Shelford, said: “Knife crime is a serious issue, and one that is high on my agenda. I am pleased that we have provided funding, through the Violence Reduction Unit, towards hosting this remarkable sculpture in the Avon and Somerset area. It will provide a striking visual reminder of the devastating affects knife crime can have on individuals and families.

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“While the sculpture is in the area, we will be working with key partners to help raise awareness of, and educate young people about, the dangers of carrying knives and the lasting impact it can have on their lives."

Knife Angel Events

A series of events will be taking place around Weston-Super-Mare and other areas of North Somerset during May.

- The Opening Ceremony of The Knife Angel will take place on May 1 from 4pm at the Italian Gardens.

- A series of Domestic Abuse Awareness workshops offering advice and signposting for domestic abuse will be held at the Italian Gardens on May 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 28 from noon to 3pm.

- The Grand Pier will host “Memorial Ribbon Tie” where visitors will have the opportunity to tie a ribbon of remembrance during Grand Pier opening hours from May 1 to 30.

- The Sovereign Centre will be hosting the “Memorial Sculptures” artwork exhibition created by local young people from May 1 to 30 during opening hours.

- A window trail of Weston knife angel window wings will be dispersed throughout the town centre from May 1 to 30.

- A Substance Advice Service will be held to support and give advice for young people for drug or alcohol misuse at the Italian Gardens on May 3 all day and May 17 from noon to 3pm.

- On May 4 from 9am to noon, Portishead Football Club will be hosting a Community Engagement Day were guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the Knife Angel and speak with Portishead Police Beat Team, Talk Club, Portishead Youth Centre and North Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership.

- The Weston Boxing Club will be promoting groups and clubs for young people as diversionary activities at the Italian Gardens on May 4 from noon to 3pm.

- The Uphill Juniors FC will be promoting groups and clubs for young people as diversionary activities at the Italian Gardens on May 5 from noon to 3pm.

- St Giles Trust will be holding an online Parent Awareness “County Lines” session on May 8 from 5.30pm to 7pm. To register visit https://stgilestrust-org-uk.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y1Al11YYRom8_Y5PliwLQg#/registration

- SARI will be giving advice and signposting for hate crime at the Italian Gardens on May 9 and 23 from noon to 3pm.

- FEARLESS (CRIMESTOPPERS) will be giving advice and awareness for anonymously reporting knife crime at the Italian Gardens on May 10 and 30 from noon to 3pm.

- Weston Whippets will be promoting groups and clubs for young people as diversionary activities at the Italian Gardens on May 11 from noon to 3pm.

- A Police Engagement session will be held at the Italian Gardens on May 16 from 11am to 2pm.

- A Community Engagement Day will be held at the Nailsea Farmers Market on May 19 from 9am to 12.30pm and visitors will have he opportunity to speak to representatives about the Knife Angel and the ongoing work the team do.

- @Worle will be promoting groups and clubs for young people as diversionary activities at the Italian Gardens on May 18 from noon to 3pm.

- We Are With You sessions supporting and giving advise to adults for drug and alcohol misuse will be held at the Italian Gardens from noon to 3pm on May 20 and 24.

- A Community Engagement Day will be held at the Clevedon Farmers Market on May 25 from 9am to 1pm and visitors will have he opportunity to speak to representatives about the Knife Angel and the ongoing work the team do.

- Hutton Moor will be promoting groups and clubs for young people as diversionary activities at the Italian Gardens on May 25 from noon to 3pm.

- The Police Cadets will be promoting groups and clubs for young people as diversionary activities at the Italian Gardens on May 26 from noon to 3pm

- A closing ceremony will be held at the Italian Gardens on May 30 at 8.30pm.