Candlelit Walk of Remembrance - National Knife Angel Farewell Ceremony
Please join us as we say farewell to the Knife Angel and its stay in Luton.
Thursday 29th August at 4pm at St Marys Church, Church St, Luton.
Our closing ceremony is a space for remembrance and reflection, we invite all to join us as we stand together to remember lives lost and the impact that has on families and wider as communities and a town, please feel free to join us at any part of this event.
4pm - 4:20 arrival. St Mary’s Luton. Entry through the main doors of the Church
4:30 Welcome to St Marys. Reflection around the Knife Phoenix and Candle lighting.
5pm Reflection and Ribbon tying at the Tree of Hope. St Mary’s Luton.
5:25 -5:45 - ‘Candlit’ slow walk from St Marys Church to St Georges Sq. led by the Knife Torch
5:45 -6 arrive St Georges Sq.
6pm Speeches and Closing Ceremony
An opportunity to write within a book of reflections and memories will be at St Georges square.
Unveiling the National Knife Angel visit to Luton
We welcome to St George's Square in Luton, an impactful symbol of hope, reflection, and change. standing tall throughout August 2024,the Knife Angel Sculpture.
This monumental artwork, standing 27 feet tall, is not merely a piece of metal or artwork; it's a testament to the collective effort to combat violence and knife crime in our communities across the country.
Crafted from over 100,000 seized blades, the Knife Angel is a artistic creation of Sculptor Alfie Bradley and made at The British Ironwork Centre, intended to provoke dialogue and introspection about the impact of violent behavior.
The British Ironwork Centre has been working with organisations across towns to tour the nation since 2018 as the first National Youth Anti-Violence Tour, the Angel has visited over 40 towns.
Its towering presence serves as an impactful memorial, adorned with messages from families who have lost loved ones to knife crime and violence. As we stand before it, we're reminded of the lives that have been lost and the urgency for change.
The National Knife Angel tours across the country providing awareness and addressing social change within communities.
But this isn't just about static art; it's a catalyst for action and engagement. Alongside the Knife Angel's residency in Luton, a range activities will unfold, designed to capture the attention of young minds and inspire positive choices. By providing avenues for constructive expression and community involvement, we aim to steer our youth away from the paths of violence.
Embracing Change
As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing violence within our community, a comprehensive program of learning opportunities will be available throughout the month.
Secondary schools and community youth groups in the area have the opportunity to participate in creative writing and art competition.
Moreover, the Youth Service and other local organisations will actively engage in opening conversations around violence knife crime, offering a blend of activities both at the Knife Angel location and within various areas across the town.
By creating the space for opening conversations and awareness, we strive to create a culture with an upstanding society where violence is not tolerated, and conflicts are resolved peacefully.
Looking beyond the immediate impact, our commitment extends to future generations, focusing on education and intervention strategies to equip children and families with the tools to prevent violence and build safer communities.
As we welcome the Knife Angel to our town, we embrace this opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and collective action.
Together, we can turn the tide against violence and forge a future where every individual can thrive in peace with support as a united community.
Join us in this journey of transformation and hope and visit St Georges Square during August 2024