Knife Angel sculpture to visit Newark as part of UK anti-violence tour
The famous sculpture aims to spread an anti-knife crime message
The Knife Angel, a striking sculpture made entirely from over 100,000 seized blades, is set to arrive in Newark town centre from 21st April 2026 to 20th May 2026, as part of the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour.
The impressive piece, created by the British Ironwork Centre, took over two years to construct, with police forces across the country donating more than 200,000 knives collected from the streets. Many of the blades used in its structure are inscribed with messages of loss and love from families who have lost loved ones to knife crime.
A collaboration between Newark and Sherwood District Council, We Are Newark, and You Can Do Sport has ensured Newark will be the first town in Nottinghamshire to host the sculpture. While the angel serves as a striking memorial to those lost, its presence also aims to raise awareness about the damaging effects of knife crime and promote an anti-violence message.
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
“The Knife Angel is awe-inspiring, and I hope many residents in Newark and the surrounding areas come to visit this magnificent piece of art.
“It’s a real privilege to have it in our town and not only is it inspirational, it carries an important message about the dangers of knife crime and a strong anti-violent message.
“Knife crime is a plight across the country, and I really hope this hits home to those involved in this crime about the fear and harm they cause.”
Emma Holden, Project Manager of We Are Newark, said:
“We are delighted that, thanks to the commitment and collaboration of our partners, we have been able to secure Newark as part of the Knife Angel tour.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our town to host such a powerful, thought-provoking and nationally significant sculpture.
“We Are Newark are honoured and privileged to be part of the project team, working together to deliver an exciting and educational 30-day programme of events that will engage our community, spark important conversations, and create a lasting legacy for Newark."
Natalia Postlethwaite, Director of You Can Do Sport, commented:
“We have a fantastic Community in Newark, and it’s so heartwarming to have received an overwhelmingly positive response to this, with so many people and organisations having now joined together, contributing their ideas, time and resources.
“You Can Do Sport, We Are Newark, Newark and Sherwood District Council, and Newark Town Council, have formed a team to drive the project - and more and more people, and organisations are offering to play their part every day.
“We have some really exciting, and ambitious plans in the pipeline, with the Knife Angel at the epicentre, which in itself has involved a huge amount of effort and input from so many."
An educational awareness programme will run during the sculpture’s time in Newark, with schools and community organisations involved in activities that highlight the dangers of knife crime.
The Knife Angel has already travelled thousands of miles across the UK, visiting over 50 towns and cities, including Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Manchester, reaching millions with its anti-violence message.
Visit the Newark and Sherwood District Council Facebook page to stay updated about the sculpture’s exact town centre location and accompanying events.
To learn more about the Knife Angel, visit the British Ironwork Centre website here: https://www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/the-knife-angel-official/