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Thursday
25  April

Torch-lit parade will mark last days of Knife Angels visit

 
23/01/2020 @ 01:25
A torch-lit parade will take place on Saturday to mark the final days of the Knife Angel being in Newtown.

The monument against violence and knife crime has been in the town since the start of the month and leaves on Wednesday.

On Saturday, the public are invited to meet at Wesley Street by the Monty Club from 4.30pm where there will be a walk through the town with tea lights or torches. The parafe will leave at 5pm before making its way to the Knife Angel outside the Oriel Davies Gallery.

An area will be made available in front of the Knife Angel monument for people to lay wreaths and to pay their respects and take the time to reflect. 

Newtown and Llanwchaiarn Town Council along with the rest of the town have watched in awe as Cllr Joy Jones and Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s project has successfully brought the Knife Angel to Newtown and Mid Wales, making it the first welsh location to host the Knife Angel as it continues its National UK Tour.

The National Monument against Violence and Aggression arrived in Newtown and was unveiled on Saturday, 4 January after weeks of work and partnership with The British Ironworks, Newtown and Llanwchaiarn Town Council, Powys County Council, Dyfed Powys Police and local businesses and volunteers.

Newtown and Llanwchaiarn Town Council have contributed financially to the opening and closing events with the opening ceremony being a successful, poignant yet respectful ceremony and the closing ceremony to take place on Saturday, 25 January.

The sculpture has attracted people from all over the nation and not just Mid Wales, becoming for some people almost a pilgrimage and a way to remember and pay respects to the many victims of knife crime and other violent crimes that may have affected their lives.

The community has rallied around in its support for Joy and the Knife Angel. The volunteers have been giving up their time to ensure there is always someone on site and their commitment has been truly commendable.

School children have visited, local youth groups have been involved as the message of anti- violence has been spread through our community.

Inside the marquee messages of hope written by children on the wings in which they can have as a background for their photo can be read such as, 
“Hurt people, hurt people, heal with love.”

Whilst no official figures have been recorded organisers and volunteers estimate that thousands have visited throughout the night and day with the stream of people being constant with no sign of letting up despite the horrendous weather. 

Cllr Joy Jones said: "The response has been overwhelming, from the very young children that have visited to the elderly. We have had people from all over the UK we thought it would probably attract a few people from the area but actually we have had people from London, Bristol , Cambridge, Scotland and many other places included.

"But our message that we have brought it here to Powys, to Newtown for is to stand up against violence. And that is a message we need to get out not just in Powys but across the country, because we need to make sure that people are standing up and standing together against violence."

 

Photo: The Knife Angel arriving in Newtown