Gloucester Cathedral is to host the thought-provoking ‘Knife Angel’ monument as part of the National Youth Anti-Violence Tour, highlighting the negative effects of violent and aggressive behaviour while also being a memorial to celebrate lives lost through such violence.
The National Monument for Serious Violence and Aggression, known as the Knife Angel, is a 27ft sculpture weighing 3.5 tonnes, which aims to raise awareness of all aspects of violence and inspire social change. A stunning contemporary sculpture, the angel was created by sculptor Alfie Bradley using over 100,000 confiscated knives received from 43 Police Forces across the UK.
The programme is being supported by county-wide organisations that have come together through the Stronger, Safer Gloucester community safety partnership to bring the striking symbol of peace to the city.
Canon Rebecca Lloyd, Canon Chancellor and Director of Learning and Participation at Gloucester Cathedral, said, “It’s a great privilege for Gloucester Cathedral to be hosting the Knife Angel, working together with so many partner organisations across the city and the county. We’re looking forward to highlighting the vital work that’s already being done to reduce violence and fear in our communities.
“We hope that as many people as possible will come to see the sculpture and take part in the associated events across the city, and that this month of events will enable us all to start conversations and commit to further action as we seek to work together even more closely to end violence on our streets and in our homes.”
The Knife Angel display will begin with an opening ceremony in Cathedral Green from Wednesday 1 February and end with a community vigil on Tuesday 28 February. It will be supported by a month-long series of events, workshops and other activities across the city.
To find out more, please visit Knife Angel Gloucester – February 2023 – at Gloucester Cathedral
News Hub
