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 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.
Farewell ceremony schedule – (18:30 to 21:00)
Timings are subject to change depending on the weather:
18:30 – Gather in Royal Square at the top of Pier Hill (behind The Royals Shopping Centre)
18:45 – Peace and Remembrance Walk to The Knife Angel led by The Worshipful the Mayor & Southend Street & 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.
19:00 – Welcome & Reflection by The Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor Ron Woodley
19:15 – ‘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.
20:00 – Musical Performance by The Salvation Army Band
20:20 – Community Blessing by Reverend Frank Smith, followed by a two-minute silence
20:30 – 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.
21:00 – 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.