WESTON is preparing to say goodbye to Knife Angel.

Designed by Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre (BIC), Knife Angel, a 27-foot-tall statue, has been created from blades confiscated by the UK's 43 police forces. 

Its arrival to the Italian Gardens at the start of May was the result of a successful bid by the North Somerset Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

To celebrate its time in the town, a ceremony will be held at The Grand Pier broadwalk on Thursday, May 30 from 7.45pm.

Speakers at the event will include Jubriel Hanid, brother of Mikhail Hanid, who was tragically fatally stabbed in Weston in 2020 and James Oakley, Mendip Green Primary School headteacher and a campaigner against knife crime.

A North Somerset Council spokesperson said: "We'll be saying goodbye to the Knife Angel next Thursday (May 30).

"We're holding a short ceremony to reflect on the statue's time here in North Somerset. If you'd like to join us, please come to The Grand Pier boardwalk at 7.45pm.

"We'll have a short procession through The Sovereign and across to the Knife Angel itself, where we'll gather and hear some speeches.

"We hope to see you there."

Lucy Shomali, North Somerset Council’s Director of Place, said: “It’s been a true privilege for Weston-super-Mare to host the Knife Angel throughout May.

"We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response from the community, as people have engaged with our month of action and even shared personal stories of knife crime and violent crime with our volunteers at the statue.

“It’s these kinds of conversations that the statue was designed to inspire. Knife crime is a serious national issue, and by bringing the Knife Angel to North Somerset, we’re proactively raising awareness about this growing problem and helping educate the local community. 

“After the Knife Angel leaves us at the end of May, it will be travelling up to Sunderland in Tyne and Wear as part of its tour around the country. However, our work to tackle knife crime won’t end when the statue leaves us.

"The North Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership will continue to work closely with police colleagues and other agencies to raise awareness, educate people and provide support around this deeply important issue. 

“Thank you to everyone for engaging with the Knife Angel during its visit, and I hope to see as many people as possible at the closing ceremony.”