Hundreds gathered for a special closing ceremony as the Knife Angel prepares to wave goodbye to Newark after a month.
The ceremony took place on Sunday at St Mary Magdalene Church ahead of the 27 ft tall sculpture, made up of more than 100,000 knives, departing on Wednesday this week.
At the closing ceremony, residents from across Newark and Sherwood joined together to look back on the success of the Knife Angel and the impact it has had on the community.
Authorities and Rev Danny Marshall posing in front of the Knife Angel after the closing ceremony at St Mary Magdalene Church, Newark. Photo: Newark and Sherwood District Council.
The event featured a service by Rev Danny Marshall, a speech by Lord Lieutenant Veronica Pickering MBS HAC, and readings by Dawn Kinsella of Ben Kinsella Trust and Adele Cook of Cookies Crusaders. Both Dawn and Adele have family members who were victims of knife crime.
The ceremony saw a final thank you by councillor Paul Taylor, portfolio holder for public protection and community relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council.
He described the sculpture as a “powerful reminder of the lives affected by violence”, and said it has become a “catalyst” and a “conversation starter”.
Knife Angel closing ceremony at St Mary Magdalene Church, Newark. Photo: Newark and Sherwood District Council
During a speech, Mr Taylor said: “Over these past weeks, we have seen people travel from across the county and far beyond to see the Knife Angel, to take part in the events, and to add their voices to the message it carries.
“Schools, families, community groups, and individuals of all ages have come together — some to learn, some to reflect, and some to heal. The response has been striking, humbling, and deeply moving.”
The district council, in partnership with We are Newark, You Can Do Sport, Newark College and Your CVS, organised a host of engaging and educational activities throughout the month.
One of these saw schools across the district create their own angel designs with messages of peace, which were on display at the church during the closing event.
Other activities saw free first aid and bleed kit training, school anti-violence conferences and daily illuminations take place.
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council reading at the St Mary Magdalene Church in Newark. Photo: Newark and Sherwood District Council
Schools from across the area took part at the closing ceremony, including Barnby Road Academy, which performed a dance performance choreographed by Newark Dance Academy.
Several other schools came together to create the Angel Choir, which sang during the ceremony.
A number of songs were also performed by Newark Town Band throughout the event. Towards the end of the ceremony, a speech was given by Natalia Hart of You Can Do Sport and Emma Holden of We Are Newark.
Mr Taylor added: “None of this happened by chance. The programme of events that surrounded the Knife Angel was the result of hard work, dedication, and partnership.
“Teams from the district council, across our local services, charities, schools, and community organisations have worked tirelessly to create something meaningful and memorable.
Band performing at the Knife Angel closing ceremony at St Mary Magdalene Church, Newark. Photo: Newark and Sherwood District Council
“Their collaboration has shown what can be achieved when we unite behind a shared purpose. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every person and every organisation who played a part. Your commitment has made a real difference.
“As the Knife Angel leaves us, I hope, and I believe, that its legacy will remain. The conversations it sparked must continue. The awareness it raised must not fade.
“And the actions we take from this point forward must honour the message at the heart of this. A commitment to carry forward what we have learned, to support those who need us, and to work together for a future where the Knife Angel’s message is no longer a warning, but a reminder of how far we’ve travelled.”
Adele Cook reading the Knife Angel closing ceremony at the St Mary Magdalene Church in Newark. Photo: Newark and Sherwood District Council
After the ceremony, a procession took place from the church, finishing at the Knife Angel, where a blessing was made by Rev Marshall.
The Knife Angel will now be travelling to Ely for an opening ceremony on Wednesday next week.
Veronica Pickering MBS HAC reading at the closing ceremony. Photo: Newark and Sherwood District Council
