Anti-violence bee sculpture to visit Gloucester

A giant bee sculpture made from weapons seized off the streets is touring the UK.

Made by the British Iron Work Centre, the creators behind the Knife Angel, the anti-violence sculpture will visit Gloucester from 16 to 20 February.

It is hoped it will spark conversations around the dangers of weapons.

Canon chancellor Rebecca Lloyd, at Gloucester Cathedral said it was a "great privilege" to be hosting the bee to improve safety and lives.

Canon Lloyd, director of learning and participation at Gloucester Cathedral, said: "We were blown away by the response to Knife Angel last year and its positive impact on our local community and have been administering the Knife Angel Legacy Fund with our partners to continue the work of youth violence prevention."

Commissioned by Greater Manchester Police, the sculpture is made from thousands of knives and firearms collected by amnesty banks in Manchester and is inspired by the city's worker bee symbol.

"As part of the Legacy, we recently hosted two youth action summits to bring together young people and partners from across the city to look at how we make Gloucester a safer and better place for young people to be," she added.

Funded by the Knife Angel Legacy Fund, Crimestoppers and Gloucester BID, the bee is being supported by partners across the city and Gloucestershire, including The Hollie Gazzard Trust, The Music Works, Hundred Heroines, Gloucester CitySafe, Nettl, 1st Call Plant Ltd, Gloucestershire College and Hartpury University and College.

The Bee, which will first visit Kings Square alongside the Music Works Bus and the Malevolence exhibition before later heading on to Gloucester Cathedral, aims to encourage people to speak up, particularly if they are worried about a friend or sibling being in danger of being drawn into or involved in violence.

Put together by Hundred Heroines, the Malevolence exhibition highlights different aspect of gender-based violence.

During its stop at Gloucester Cathedral, visitors will be able to take part in free bee-themed craft activities.

The bee will also be accompanied by the Hollie Gazzard Trust, a charity marking its 10th anniversary after it was set up following the murder of 20-year-old Hollie Gazzard in 2014 by an abusive ex-partner.

The bee's last stop will be at the Docks on 18 February, before it continues its visit across the county.

A bee trail will also be happening across the city during the bee's visit.

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