On a significant Sunday, hundreds converged at St Mary Magdalene Church in Newark for the closing ceremony of the Knife Angel. This iconic sculpture, standing at 27 feet tall and composed of over 100,000 knives, will depart for Ely on Wednesday. The gathering honored the impact the Knife Angel has made on the local community during its month-long stay.
Community Togetherness at the Closing Ceremony
Residents from Newark and Sherwood participated in a reflective event celebrating the legacy of the Knife Angel. The ceremony featured important speakers including Rev Danny Marshall, who led the service, and Lord Lieutenant Veronica Pickering MBS HAC. Readings were delivered by Dawn Kinsella of the Ben Kinsella Trust and Adele Cook of Cookies Crusaders, both of whom have been personally affected by knife crime.
- Rev Danny Marshall officiated the service.
- Lord Lieutenant Veronica Pickering MBS HAC gave a speech.
- Dawn Kinsella and Adele Cook shared poignant readings.
Councillor Paul Taylor, the portfolio holder for public protection and community relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, expressed gratitude during the ceremony. He described the Knife Angel as a “powerful reminder of the lives affected by violence” and praised its role as a “catalyst” for conversation within the community.
Activities Promoted Community Engagement
The district council, in collaboration with local organizations like We are Newark and Newark College, organized numerous educational activities throughout the month. Notably, local schools engaged in creating their own angel designs with messages of peace, displayed prominently during the closing event.
- Free first aid and bleed kit training.
- School anti-violence conferences.
- Daily illuminations contributing to the event’s atmosphere.
Students from Barnby Road Academy showcased a dance choreographed by the Newark Dance Academy, while the Angel Choir, comprised of various schools, performed moving renditions during the ceremony. The Newark Town Band also entertained attendees with music throughout the event.
Reflections on the Knife Angel’s Legacy
Closing remarks were made by Natalia Hart from You Can Do Sport and Emma Holden of We Are Newark. Councillor Taylor noted the collaborative effort that made the Knife Angel event possible. He emphasized the significance of the message and the conversations it has sparked.
“As the Knife Angel begins its journey to Ely, we hope the lessons learned here will resonate long after its departure,” he stated. Taylor urged continued commitment to supporting those affected by violence, creating a future where the Knife Angel’s poignant message transforms from a warning to a testament of progress.
Proceeding After the Ceremony
Following the ceremony, a procession made its way from the church to the Knife Angel installation. There, Rev Marshall offered a blessing before the sculpture departs. The journey to Ely for an opening ceremony is set for Wednesday, marking the next chapter in the Knife Angel’s impactful journey.
