Southend-on-Sea is proud to be welcoming a touring national monument against violence and aggression.
The Knife Angel is an incredible 27ft, 3.5 tonne sculpture that uses its sheer size, scale, and distinctive materials to send a message of hope and change.
Created as an illustrative symbol against violence - particularly serious violence, including knife and weapon crime against children and young people or committed by them, The Knife Angel is made from 100,000 confiscated or surrendered weapons, including blunted flick knives, and kitchen knives, received from 43 Police Forces across the UK.
Find out more on The Knife Angel on the Southend Community Safety Partnership website.
National youth anti-violence educational programme
Community Safety partners have prepared a full education programme as part of The Knife Angel’s visit.
The free, education and learning programme of anti-violence, youth engagement and public awareness sessions include school visits, in-school workshops, as well as a host of community safety partners working on site around The Knife Angel to engage, listen and support members of the public.
Specific dates and times of all activities can be downloaded from the Southend Community Partnership website. Please note: The activity schedule will continue to be populated throughout July. If you are a local service and you are interested in being part of our extensive activity programme, please email KnifeAngelSouthend@southend.gov.uk.
Knife Angel photo competiton
Share your photographs of The Knife Angel when it is in Southend-on-Sea from 1st to 28th July.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or amateur snapper, this is your chance to showcase your creative skills. So, grab your camera or pick up your phone and get snapping.
The best images will form part of a prominent local exhibition. Some entries will also be broadcast on our social media platforms and in an album on our Flickr site. There will also be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
How to enter
Share your photo of the Knife Angel and simply tag Southend-on-Sea City Council on Instagram (southendcityc) or Facebook (SouthendCCOfficial) and use the hashtag #KnifeAngelSouthend