A thought-provoking play about the impacts of knife crime was performed at the closing ceremony of the Knife Angel’s month-long visit to the City of Colchester.
The play – ‘It’s about your son’ performed by Essex based theatre group ‘Little Two’ – had the audience of invited guests spellbound.
The actors have been touring Colchester secondary schools to coincide with the Knife Angel’s stay in the city. The production was sponsored by Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners’ Violence and Vulnerability Unit and Chelmsford City Council.
The theme of the closing event at Colchester Castle was ‘Education, supporting the Knife Angel’s mission to bring social change.’
Greg from Raw Talent, a project by frozen food company COOK helping people back into work after prison, homelessness and other challenges spoke about his experiences after a fight that ended in a five-year prison sentence for GBH. Rev Jackson Crompton-Battersby a former army Chaplain gave his reflections on the Knife Angel.
Colchester mum Ann Oakes-Odger whose son Westley Odger was murdered in an unprovoked knife attack spoke of the special significance of the Knife Angel for 250 families who’s murdered relatives’ names are inscribed on knives in the iconic sculpture. All the knives in the statue were collected through knife amnesties in police forces across the UK.
Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “The Knife Angel stay has been a dramatic, compelling and emotion-provoking moment for many.
“My thanks to residents and the many volunteers who have attended the site, providing information and support as to how we can avoid or respond to violent and aggressive behaviour in any form. Our thanks also to those who made this possible, to the teams at Colchester City Council, Essex Police, the Violence and Vulnerability Unit and Colchester FC, who helped make the visit the success it has been. See it while you can.”
The Knife Angel remains at its location in front of Jumbo Water Tower, Balkerne Gardens, until Tuesday morning, when it will leave Colchester bound for Bolton.
Page last reviewed: 25 October 2023