A CEREMOMY is to take place to say goodbye to the Knife Angel after its temporary stay in Newtown.

Cllr Joy Jones and Dyfed Powys Police and Crime commissioner’s project successfully brought the Knife Angel to Newtown and Mid Wales, making it the first Welsh location to host the sculpture as it continues its National UK Tour.

The National Monument against Violence and Aggression arrived in Newtown and was unveiled on Saturday, January 4 after weeks of work and partnership with The 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, January 25.

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.

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 on the response and message of the Knife Angel 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.”

The last day to see the Knife Angel will be the Tuesday, January 28 as it will be leaving Newtown on January 29.

On Saturday, January 25 members of 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 where people may carry battery tea light candles or bring a torch to light the way, this will start outside The Monty Club at 5pm and end in front of the Knife Angel.

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.