Knife Angel in Shrewsbury: Last chance to see spectacular sculpture in county town at farewell vigil
Imposing statue will leave the town on Friday to return to Oswestry’s British Ironwork Centre
A farewell vigil to the spectacular Knife Angel sculpture is being held in Shrewsbury this coming week.
The imposing sculpture, which was created using surrendered blades as a poignant piece of artwork to raise awareness about knife crime, has been in situ in The Square for several weeks.
It will leave the town and be returned to the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry on Friday, July 31.
But, the evening before, there will be a farewell vigil for the community to come together in reflection and gratitude.
The vigil will take place on Thursday, July 30, beginning at 6.30pm, with attendees asked get there from 6.15pm ahead of the arrival of the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Bernie Bentick.
Created from more than 100,000 knives and blades surrendered or seized by police forces across the UK, the sculpture stands as a powerful reminder of the human cost of violence.
As part of the vigil, Councillor Bentick, will present certificates on behalf of Shrewsbury Town Council to Alfie Bradley, creator of the Knife Angel, and representatives from the British Ironwork Centre, in recognition of their commitment to raising awareness of knife crime through education and community engagement.
Residents attending the vigil will also have the opportunity to write messages on reflection cards, available from Shrewsbury Town Council’s office, which will be displayed on the railings surrounding the sculpture as a lasting expression of hope, remembrance and community solidarity.
The farewell vigil follows a civic reflection event held earlier this month, which brought together community leaders, organisations and residents to reflect on the themes represented by the Knife Angel through words, music and a shared commitment to creating safer communities.
Helen Ball, Town Clerk of Shrewsbury Town Council, said: “Over the past five weeks, thousands of people have visited the Knife Angel, each taking away their own thoughts and reflections.
“For many, it has been a moving reminder of the lives affected by knife crime and the importance of supporting young people, showing compassion and working together as a community.