Knife Angel
An inspiring Knife Angel sculpture, made from over 100,000 seized blades, will be travelling to Newark as part of the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour between 21 April 2026 until 20 May 2026.
It will be located in front of Newark Town Hall in the town centre and will be illuminated each evening. A host of community activities will also be organised while the Knife Angel is in situ.
What is the Knife Angel?
Made from over 100,000 seized blades, the Knife Angel sculpture, designed by artist Alfie Bradley, in partnership with the British Ironworks Centre, stands as a national memorial and a reminder of the number of lives lost and families forever changed due to knife crime throughout the UK.
The Knife Angel is touring towns up and down the UK and it’s stop in Newark marks a powerful opportunity for our district to stand together and confront the devastating impact of knife crime and violent behaviour has on our Country as a whole.
The Knife Angel gives us time to remember those who have experienced violence and aggression wherever they live in the UK, supporting individuals, families and communities shattered by violence and working together to rebuild and move forward.
How long will it be in Newark for?
The sculpture will be on public view in Newark Town Centre from 21 April 2026 until 20 May 2026.
Why is it coming?
Hosting the Knife Angel is an honour for Newark and Sherwood, a reflection of our district’s commitment to raising a national awareness of knife crime and its devesting impact.
As visitors come to see the Knife Angel, we will showcase not only this extraordinary sculpture but the strength of our local community.
A comprehensive programme of workshops, school sessions, events and training will run throughout the Knife Angel’s stay, helping residents understand how to spot risks, support young people and report concerns wherever they visit in the UK.
Who is organising the visit?
Newark and Sherwood District Council is bringing this temporary installation to Newark.
The District Council is working in partnership with We are Newark, You Can Do Sport, Newark College and Your CVS.
Safe surrender information
Safe surrender points are permanently located at police stations across the region where people can anonymously surrender knives.
- Anonymous information can be given to CrimeStoppers: 0800 555111
- Retailers can access guidance on responsible knife sales
- Nottinghamshire Police locations for knife amnesty (Op Sceptre) - Mansfield Police Station, NG18 2HQ, Newark Police Station, NG24 1LJ, Oxclose Lane Police Station NG5 6FZ, Radford Road Police Station, NG7 5GX
Community activities
A wide range of community activities are being organised while the knife angel is in situ. Please check back for more information shortly.
Resources for schools and community groups
If you are a school or community group, there are some tools and resources available to educate young people on the dangers of knife crime. Resources can be found below:
Support for people impacted
If you have been affected or experienced violence or loss, support is available.
If you feel overwhelmed, distressed, or worried about safety, there are free services you can contact at any time:
If you or someone else is in immediate danger:
- Call 999 – emergency services
- Call 111 – ask for the mental health option for urgent support in Nottinghamshire
- Call 101 – Non-emergency
24/7 listening support
- Samaritans – 116 123 Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
- Shout Crisis Text Line – text SHOUT to 85258
- Papyrus HOPELINE247 – 0800 068 4141 (under 35s), text 07860 039 967
- Young Minds Crisis Messenger – text YM to 85258
Organisations that offer support
- Remedi - Support for children and young people, Remedi take a proactive and flexible approach to providing support for victims of crime and anti-social behaviour.
- Childline – 0800 1111 Get Support | Childline
- The Mix – 0808 808 4994
- Kooth – (free, anonymous online mental health support)
- Nottinghamshire Victim Care Nottinghamshire Victim CARE - Remedi Victimcare
- Nottinghamshire Police locations for knife amnesty (Op Sceptre) - Mansfield Police Station, NG18 2HQ, Newark Police Station, NG24 1LJ, Oxclose Lane Police Station NG5 6FZ, Radford Road Police Station, NG7 5GX
- NSPCC- Contact the NSPCC Helpline
- Mind - Need urgent help - Mind
- See The Signs - See The Signs
- Ben Kinsella Trust - The Ben Kinsella Trust | Knife Crime Prevention Charity
- Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies - Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies
- Knife Crime UK - Knife Crime UK – Knife Crime Uk
Frequently asked questions
What is the Knife Angel?
The Knife Angel is the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression – a 27-foot sculpture created from over 100,000 seized or surrendered knives. It was designed to raise awareness of the devastating impact of knife crime and to encourage education, prevention, and remembrance. Designed by artist Alfie Bradley and manufactured at the British Ironworks Centre, the Knife Angel is crafted from approximately 100,000 blunted, sterilised knives, surrendered via amnesties or seized by police across the country. Many blades are engraved with messages from families affected by knife violence, making it a deeply personal memorial.
Why is the Knife Angel coming to Newark?
Although knife crime in Newark is relatively low compared to many parts of the UK, every incident causes real harm. The Knife Angel’s visit is a catalyst for action – encouraging people to choose not to carry knives, to safely surrender any knives they hold, and to take part in a programme of education and community engagement designed to prevent violence and protect lives.
Will there be activities taking place during the visit?
A wide range of community activities are being organised while the knife angel is in situ. Please check back for more information shortly.
What is a knife surrender scheme and how does it work?
A knife surrender scheme allows people to safely and anonymously surrender knives at designated locations. Safe surrender bins are available at Police Stations across the district.
Should I be concerned about Knife Crime in Newark and Sherwood?
No. Knife crime in our district is relatively low compared to many parts of the UK, but even one incident is one too many. The police estimate that 0.91 in 1,000 people in Newark and Sherwood committed the crime of possession of weapons, well below the national average. While knife crime here is lower than in many parts of the UK, even one incident can devastate lives.
Nottinghamshire Police have been proactive when it comes to knife crime across the county with more than 200 knives and other dangerous weapons taken off the streets and out of harm’s way during a record-breaking year for a specialist police team.
The force’s knife crime team seized a total of 224 weapons and made 150 arrests during 2025 as its dedicated officers continue to keep communities safe.
How close can I get to the sculpture?
The Knife Angel sculpture is safely constructed and will be surrounded by fencing so you won’t be able to touch it. It will be monitored with CCTV and supported by stewarding and police patrols. Plans are in place to manage any crowds during event times to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors.
What support is available to those affected by the Knife Angel visit?
We know the Knife Angel can be powerful and, for some people, upsetting - especially for those who have experienced violence, trauma, bereavement, exploitation, or a mental health crisis. If the visit brings up difficult feelings, you are not alone and support is available. You can view the support available higher up this page.
Can people leave tributes or messages?
We’re planning a Book of Reflections where visitors can record personal messages, pledges, dedications, or artistic tributes. This will be available at Newark Town Hall for anyone who wants to make a dedication.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any questions about the Knife Angel in Newark, please Contact Us