The service will take place on Thursday 27th April 2023 on the final day of The Knife Angel being exhibited in Centenary Square, Bradford.
A Memorial Service for those affected by violent crime will be held at Bradford Cathedral on Thursday 27th April at 7:30pm.
The service is in partnership with Fountains Church; Bradford Children & Families Trust – District Youth Services; West Yorkshire Police; and the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
The service, which will be led by the Revd Linda Maslen of Fountains Church, will include prayers for victims of violent crime, and those affected by it; an act of remembrance; and testimonies and stories, alongside a time to reflect and a commitment to hope for change.
The Knife Angel was created by artist Alfie Bradley as a national monument against violence and aggression. The 27ft high sculpture is made from over 100,000 seized blades. It was specifically created to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour whilst solidifying the critical need for social change. It is currently situated in Centenary Square until the day of the memorial alongside information boards, and is lit up from dusk.
Richard Baildon, lead for Bradford City NPT (Neighbourhood Policing Team), will be speaking alongside other guest speakers, who will be announced shortly.
The Revd Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, says:
“Bradford Cathedral has a long history of gathering the diverse community of Bradford at times of grief and pain. We are proud of our role as a place and people of peace and hope in our city and gladly welcome all to reflect and pray.
“This is never more important as we conclude this year’s Anti-Violence Month in which we have, as a city, hosted the Knife Angel, a provocative sculpture that inspires transformation in the place of death and violence.
“We encourage anyone affected by violent crime into the peace of the Cathedral and to dare to hope for change.”
The Revd Linda Maslen, Leader at Fountains Church, says:
“This service will give an opportunity to learn more about the impact of knife crime in our city but also for those affected to have the space to reflect.”
Inspector Richard Baildon who leads Bradford City Neighbourhood Policing Team says:
“I have seen all too often the devastating impact of knife crime on victims and families and the consequences for perpetrators of such crimes.
“Knife crime has no place in our City and through working with our partners we are committed to preventing and tackling the issue.
“One life lost is one too many. I hope the work of the Knife Angel continues and we work together to educate and change people’s behaviours around violent crime.
“Today we remember the people affected by knife crime, in the hope for a positive change in the future.”
Charlotte Ramsden OBE, Chief Executive of the Bradford Children and Families Trust, says:
“Bringing The Knife Angel to Bradford has been a great opportunity to reflect with people and promote social change through our Youth Workers, Youth Justice Service, police and health colleagues and many other partners. The memorial will be a poignant way to mark the end of Anti-Violence Month and The Knife Angel exhibition and to promote continued engagement in this crucial work for the future.
“Thank you to Bradford Cathedral and Fountains Church for holding this moment in time to remember and reflect for and with those who endure the lasting effects of violence and Knife crime.”
The ‘Memorial Service for those affected by violent crime’ takes place at Bradford Cathedral on Thursday 27th April at 7:30pm. All are welcome. You can turn up on the day for the service, or you can register your interest at bradfordcathedral.churchsuite.com/events/kdtjnfdq, or via bradfordcathedral.org.uk/whats-on. You can find out more about The Knife Angel at britishironworkcentre.co.uk/the-knife-angel-official.
ENDS