Ahead of the Knife Angel’s arrival in Haverhill on Saturday 31 August, here is all you need to know:
What is the Knife Angel?
The Knife Angel, created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre, is made from over 100,000 seized blades. The sculpture was created to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour of all types including knife crime, domestic assault, sexual abuse and county lines. Not only does the statue act as a catalyst for turning the tide on violent and aggressive behaviour, it also acts as a memorial designed to commemorate the lives lost through violent and thoughtless actions.
The installation will be the first time that the Knife Angel statute has appeared in either Suffolk, Cambridgeshire or Norfolk.
Why is the Knife Angel coming to Haverhill?
The tragic event that precipitated the Knife Angel’s visit to Haverhill was the fatal stabbing of Harley Barfield in 2023.
The Knife Angel also works to raise awareness and highlight the negative effects of all violent behaviour in general, including domestic violence and knife crime, and acts as a reminder that there is no excuse for assault of any kind.
When and where will the Knife Angel be installed in Haverhill?
The Knife Angel statue is arriving from its previous location (Luton) on Saturday 31 August and will be installed on the Haverhill Market Square the same day, and to mark the occasion an official formal ceremony will be held on Wednesday 4 September.
The ceremony on the Market Square will be attended by Haverhill Mayor David Smith, Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Lady Clare Euston, and Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner. The event will involve speeches and information about the National Anti-Violence Memorial, followed by refreshments at Haverhill Arts Centre (CB9 8AR).
What events will take place following the Knife Angel’s arrival in Haverhill?
The Knife Angel statue will be on display on the Haverhill Market Square from Saturday 31 August to Monday 30 September, and during this time Haverhill Town Council, in partnership with the British Ironworks Centre, will be hosting a series of events.
The events will include live music, pop-up stalls and interactive events throughout the month.
Click HERE to find out more about the events.
Anyone wanting to visit the statue will also be asked to write an anti-violence pledge to put on the railings that will surround the statue. The pledges can be in memory of a loved one who lost their life to a violent action or a few words that spread the message of peace and anti-violence. Messages can be written on wooden hearts that will be freely available next to the statue.
There will also be a Book of Reflection in St Mary’s Church.
Located by the statue will be a Knife Amnesty Bin. The bin is a purpose-designed secure unit for the collection of knives, blades and other harmful weapons. The weapons placed in the bin will then be disposed of to keep them off the streets.
Find out more about the Knife Angel coming to Haverhill HERE.