Newark hosts the Knife Angel

Newark hosts the Knife Angel

Newark is set to host the inspirational Knife Angel sculpture, a striking monument created from over 100,000 surrendered blades, as part of the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour. It will visit communities across the country, allowing us to come together to reflect, learn and take positive action on an issue that affects families and communities nationwide.

The Knife Angel will be on display in front of Newark Town Hall from 21 April 2026 to 20 May 2026, illuminated each evening along with a diverse programme of community events and activities.

During its stay, the Knife Angel will serve as a powerful symbol for anti-violence and knife crime awareness, with the District Council and We are Newark organising a host of activities designed to engage residents and visitors in meaningful, inclusive ways that promote kindness and safety.

Designed by artist Alfie Bradley in collaboration with the British Ironwork Centre, the Knife Angel stands as a national memorial, remembering those who have lost their lives and acknowledging the families and communities affected by knife crime across the UK. Its presence in Newark offers an opportunity to stand in solidarity with towns and cities across the country, recognising that preventing violence is a shared national concern.

The sculpture also serves as a message of hope, encouraging remembrance, compassion and collective action, while supporting individuals, families and communities as they work to build safer futures. Newark is proud to be the first town in Nottinghamshire to host the Knife Angel, reinforcing its commitment to community wellbeing, prevention and being part of a wider national movement for positive change.

The events programme includes market stalls attended by local community groups, educational talks and workshops with schools across Newark and Sherwood, first aid training sessions near the sculpture, family photography workshops, the MensWalkTalk mental health walk, a visit to the sculpture by veteran groups, silent reflection led by the Quakers, and local shops will be decorating their windows with messages of peace.

Children will be invited to take part in Peace Angel Crafting, with their creations displayed at St Mary Magdalene Church alongside impressive 4ft wooden angels designed by local students. Additional highlights include the annual Stop the Bleed conference taking place at Castle House, a book of reflection that the public can sign at St Mary Magdalene Church and a number of Stop the Bleed kits installed at locations in the town which are designed to help anyone stop life-threatening bleeding until professional help arrives.

An amnesty box will also be situated alongside the Knife Angel throughout the duration of the visit. The box provides an opportunity for people to safely drop-off any knifes or dangerous weapons they have in their possession.

To bring the Knife Angel visit to a close, a closing ceremony is set to be held on Sunday 17 May at St Mary Magdalene Church. The event will be ticketed, and details will be shared on the Knife Angel webpage.

This installation and events programme is brought to Newark by Newark and Sherwood District Council, working in partnership with We are Newark, You Can Do Sport, Newark College and Your CVS. You can find the full events programme and details of how to get involved at: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/knifeangel

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: "Hosting the Knife Angel is an honour for Newark and Sherwood, a reflection of our district's commitment to raising national awareness of knife crime and its devastating impact.

"A comprehensive programme of workshops, school sessions, events and training will run throughout the Knife Angel's stay, helping residents understand how to spot risks, support others and report concerns wherever they visit in the UK.

"Our goal is to empower people to become advocates where violence is never seen as an option, helping to create a safer future for themselves and their peers.

"Every conversation started by the Knife Angel has the power to change behaviour, challenge assumptions, and save lives."