Bury to play host to iconic Knife Angel sculpture

Bury is taking a stand against violence and aggression and raising awareness of the issue of knife crime.

The National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, Knife Angel, made from more than 100,000 seized knives, is visiting Bury this March.

It stands at 27 feet tall and weighs more than 3 tonnes and created by the artist Alfie Bradley from knives surrendered and collected in nationwide amnesties during 2015/2016.

It highlights the negative effects of violent behaviour whilst addressing our need for social change and has been touring the country.

The Knife Angel is near the intersection of The Rock and Tithebarn Street from 1 March – 27 March 2024. It aims to raise awareness and educate people on the impacts of knife crime, and violent and aggressive behaviour on communities.

Bringing the Knife Angel to the town has been led by the Bury BID (Business Improvement District) with Bury Council and Greater Manchester Police.

The arrival of the sculpture will be marked with an opening event on 1 March. A month-long programme of educational events, workshops and community events will support the message of The Knife Angel. There will also be a closing ceremony, with further details to follow.

The Knife Angel has already toured various towns across the country and now it is Bury’s turn. It took artist Alfie Bradley four years to create at the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire.

Victoria Robinson, Chair of Bury BID, said: “The visit of the Knife Angel to Bury is a reminder to all about the devastating effect of knife crime to the community. The Bury BID is proud to be involved in bringing this impressive, yet poignant statue into our town. We are encouraging everyone to come and visit it during the month of March. Various supporting activities to help promote the message behind the Knife Angel will also take place in and around the town centre, full details of this can be found on the Discover Bury website and social media channels.”

Victoria added: “In the coming weeks we will also be announcing details of a Knife Angel photography competition which will be running whilst the structure is in Bury.”

Councillor Richard Gold, Bury Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Finance, added: “Through Bury Council’s leadership in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police and local partners, the Bury Community Safety Partnership is committed to preventing harm and reducing criminality in the borough.

“Awareness raising and engagement of the risks associated with carrying knives, through activity such as bringing the Knife Angel to Bury, is part of our partnership approach to address a local priority of the Partnership, and in delivering local action against the Serious Violence Duty.

This builds on work and engagement with our communities to keep Bury a safe place to live, study, work, socialise in and visit.”