A striking national monument, the Knife Angel, will be making its way to Newton Aycliffe this June as part of a powerful campaign to raise awareness about knife crime and its devastating impact on families and communities.
Standing at 27 feet tall and weighing 3.5 tonnes, the Knife Angel is constructed from over 100,000 blunted blades that were collected during knife amnesties across the UK. It will be installed near the Leisure Centre in Aycliffe town centre and remain on display for the entire month of June.
The arrival of the Knife Angel holds profound significance for Newton Aycliffe, particularly following the tragic death of local teenager Jack Woodley in 2021. In his memory, and in honour of all victims of knife crime, the monument serves as a national symbol for reflection, education and dialogue about the consequences of knife violence.
Neighbourhood Sergeant, Andy Boyd, commented, “We know that knife crime ruins lives. Even in an area with relatively low knife crime, we cannot afford to ignore it. One injury, one death, is one too many.”
As part of the Knife Angel’s visit, a knife amnesty will be in effect throughout the month of June. Residents are encouraged to surrender unwanted or illegal knives at local police stations. All collected weapons will be sent to the British Ironworks Centre to support future anti-violence initiatives, continuing the mission behind the Knife Angel.
Opening Ceremony – Saturday 31st May, 12 noon to 4.00pm
The local community is invited to attend the official opening ceremony on Saturday 31st May from 12.00pm to 4.00pm in the Aycliffe town centre mall. The event is free and open to all and will include fairground ride, community stalls, live music and entertainment, including performances by local dance groups, singers and gymnastics schools, family-friendly activities and educational opportunities.
Local leaders, schools, youth groups and families are encouraged to take part in this important initiative aimed at fostering a safer and more compassionate community. There are projects to educate children about the dangers of knife crime and an exhibition in the old Peacocks unit in Aycliffe town centre will be open weekends during June from 9.00am to 5.00pm. The hub will be staffed by volunteers from Murtek, Lifeline Community Action, Junction 7, Aycliffe Radio, Rotary Newton Aycliffe, Durham County Council and staff from the Police Crime Commissioners Office.
The hub will also house school artwork, sculptures created by South West Durham Training students and Optimum Skills as well as photos of the Knife Angel by members of the public. During the weekdays in June educational sessions are to be rolled out by Durham Police and Optimum Skills to over 2000 students promoting violence reduction and ‘Jacks’ story.