Residents and visitors to the City of Southend only have days left to experience the Knife Angel ahead of its closing ceremony on Sunday 28 July.
The farewell event includes a Peace and Remembrance Walk led by the Mayor, a reflection and hope segment with words, performances, and music, followed by a candlelit community vigil at the Knife Angel.
The public is invited to gather at Royal Square at the top of Pier Hill (behind The Royals Shopping Centre) at 6:30pm, and the evening will conclude with thankyous and farewell at the Knife Angel at 9pm.
The 27-foot high sculpture has been a prominent figure in the city since 1 July, captivating visitors of all ages with its distinctive design and poignant message. The Knife Angel, created by Alfie Bradley to illustrate the devastating impact of violent crime, has been seen by over 500,000 visitors.
The touring sculpture is made from over 100,000 confiscated or surrendered weapons, including blunted flick knives and kitchen knives from 43 Police Forces across the UK. Some knives bear inscriptions from families affected by knife crime and from former offenders who regret their actions. Southend-on-Sea was chosen by the British Ironworks to host The Knife Angel - The National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, during its 2024 National Youth Anti-Violence Tour.
Standing as a poignant symbol of hope and social change, the Knife Angel has inspired thousands of public messages, currently displayed on white ribbons and wooden hearts around the monument. These messages of unity and hope will be crafted into a permanent art piece for the city.
Councillor Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, said: "Firstly, I'd like to thank all the businesses that sponsored the Knife Angel's visit to Southend, as well as key community safety partners such as the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, and all volunteers and organisations who contributed their time seven days a week to make the sculpture's visit so successful.
"Hosting the monument is more than just displaying it; it's about the education programme delivered alongside it. The Knife Angel has sparked conversations, education, and positive change within our communities. It has brought together schools, parents, voluntary organisations, places of worship, community groups, and businesses to stand together against all forms of violence.
"During the month, there has also been a general weapons amnesty, supported by Essex Police, through a secure surrender bin placed near the Knife Angel. We know anonymous surrendering is happening, largely due to the education programme and on-site conversations addressing motivations for carrying weapons and police initiatives that act as a deterrent."
Clive Knowles, founder and owner of the British Ironworks Centre in Shropshire, said: "The Knife Angel is an incredibly powerful sculpture, serving as a focal point for communities wanting to take a public stand against violence and aggression and raise awareness of knife crime. I'm very pleased to support Southend-on-Sea. It has been encouraging to see the passion and drive of the people in Southend and the united front formed to tackle violent crime, particularly knife crime."
For more information on The Knife Angel's visit to Southend, please visit the Southend Community Safety Partnership website.
Farewell Ceremony schedule, Sunday 28 July (6.30pm to 9pm)
Timings are subject to change depending on the weather:
- 6.30pm - Gather in Royal Square at the top of Pier Hill (behind The Royals Shopping Centre)
- 6.45pm - Peace and Remembrance Walk to The Knife Angel led by The Worshipful the Mayor and Southend Street and Prayer Pastors. Please bring a torch or use the torch on your mobile phone as a symbol of unity and togetherness and to show that there is always light in the darkest of times
- 7pm - Welcome and Reflection by The Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor Ron Woodley
- 7.15pm - 'Paradise within Conflict' - a letter to our community. A multidisciplinary performance created and performed by young actors from South Essex College, Southend City Youth Council and Southend City Children in Care Council
- 8pm - Musical Performance by The Salvation Army Band
- 8.20pm - Community Blessing by Reverend Frank Smith, followed by a two-minute silence
- 8.30pm - Candlelit Community Vigil. A limited amount of FREE battery-powered tealights will be available to the public to place at The Knife Angel. Please feel free to bring your own tealight
- 9pm - Thank you and farewell
Please note: We welcome photos and cards to be placed at the Knife Angel in remembrance of a loved one/friend lost to serious violence.
Wax candles are not permitted. There will be no seating, so please feel free to bring a blanket to sit on or bring your own folding chair.