22/07/2024 - The Knife Angel: a monument of hope and change arrives in Luton

The Knife Angel's visit to Luton will be marked by a series of significant anti-violence events and activities starting with a launch event and civic reception in St George’s Square on Saturday, 3 August, 12pm to 2pm. This will include council, statutory and community organisations who will engage with the public, fostering dialogue and awareness.

Throughout August, the town will host numerous events linked to the Knife Angel’s visit, ensuring the voices of knife crime victims and their families are heard. Key among these initiatives is Operation Sceptre, where Bedfordshire Police will encourage people to leave unwanted knives in amnesty bins, engage with retailers, and carry out weapon sweeps.

Councillor Maria Lovell, Portfolio Holder for community safety said: “The Knife Angel stands as a memorial for the young people who have lost their lives to knife crime locally. It serves as a sombre reminder of the personal tragedies that have deeply affected our community and underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to create real change in our communities to prevent further loss of life.”

To maximise awareness and community involvement, the Youth Partnership Service launched a creative competition titled ‘Artful Voices: Empowering Luton’s Youth to Speak Out Against Knife Crime.’ Open to schools and children, participants were invited to express their views through art, spoken word, poetry, song, rap, and more. Entries will be publicly displayed at the Hat Factory Arts Centre from 23 to 25 July though immersive exhibition experiences. The winning entry will be brought to life by the Knife Angel through augmented reality, showcased on screens in St George’s Square and displayed alongside the statue.

To coincide with the arrival of the Knife Angel the Youth Partnership Service is proud to announce the launch of a legacy fund.

Councillor Javeria Hussain, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Luton Rising, which is one of the key funders of the legacy fund, said: “This fund will support community organisations in creating inspirational projects for children and young people, reinforcing the critical messages of the Knife Angel, and ensuring a lasting impact long after its departure from the town. Luton Rising is delighted to provide funding for this important initiative aimed at protecting and supporting lives in Luton.”

Inspector Liz Spurling, Bedfordshire Police, said: “The Knife Angel’s visit to Luton will send a powerful message to our communities about the importance of us all working together to proactively drive down knife crime.

“The impact that knife crime has on those involved cannot be underestimated and it’s so important that we remember all those who have lost their lives as a result of senseless violence and come together to show our determination to combat knife crime and prevent further tragedies.

“Throughout August we’ll be continuing to encourage young people to think twice and drop their knives through our anti-knife Just Drop It campaign.”

Councillor Maria Lovell added: “We invite everyone to join us on Saturday, 3 August at 12pm, to witness this extraordinary event and participate in the collective effort to drive social change. To truly tackle violence and knife crime we need everyone especially our children and young people to be part of the conversation so we can find lasting solutions.

“I would like to thank our partner agencies and community organisations for their support, with their commitment we can make positive changes in Luton.”

Partner agencies and organisations supporting this initiative include Mary Seacole Housing Association, Bedfordshire Police, Luton Rising, Bedfordshire & Luton Community Fund, the charity that has secured match funding, Wingman Mentors and British Ironwork Centre.

For further information about the Knife Angel's visit and events, go to https://knifeangelluton.com/  or visit youthpartnershipservice.com