A photography competition to find the best image of the Knife Angel during its visit to Lancashire has already attracted over 200 entries – and the prestigious judging panel has been announced.
The images, submitted via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #KnifeAngelLancashire, will be judged by a committee of people instrumental in bringing the incredible 27ft tall sculpture to the county.
The Knife Angel, which will proudly stand outside Blackburn Cathedral until 29 November, is made from 100,000 seized and surrendered blades.
The Knife Angel took artist Alfie Bradley four years to create – and Alfie has agreed to be one of the judges of the competition.
He said:
“I’m proud to be asked to be on the panel. The Knife Angel conjures up a lot of emotion and gets people thinking and talking about the impact and consequences of violent crime.
This is an opportunity for people across Lancashire to put their photography skills to the test and help to spread a message of peace and hope for the future.”
Alfie will be joined by Det Chf Supt Sue Clarke, Head of Lancashire Violence Reduction Network; Andrew Snowden, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner; Sayyed Osman, Director of Adult Services for Blackburn with Darwen Council; Very Reverend Peter Howell-Jones from Blackburn Cathedral and Shafiq Khan, a stunning photographer who kicked off the event.
Snappers of all ages and abilities in Lancashire are being invited to take part in a competition – whether it’s on a mobile phone or using a DSLR. Judges will be looking for unique angles of the Knife Angel, composition, and artistic flair.
The competition will run until 22 November and winners will be judged ahead of an exhibition and prizegiving on Saturday 27 November.
The Knife Angel itself will be available to view for free until 29 November at the rear of Blackburn Cathedral.
Prizes will be presented to the best under 18s entry, and best over 18s entry. They will include £150 Blackwells or Waterstone’s voucher for winners.
The prizes will be presented at Blackburn Youth Zone on Saturday 27 November from 1pm and the public will be able to view an exhibition of the shortlisted entries.
Bringing the Knife Angel to Lancashire is a partnership between the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, Blackburn Cathedral, and Blackburn with Darwen Council.
The Knife Angel has already toured 13 UK towns and cities, but this is the first time it has been to Lancashire.
There is no limit to the number of pictures that you submit via social media, but entries must include the official hashtag so that the judges can see your entries.
Simply post your best pictures of the Knife Angel on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #KnifeAngelLancashire.
A gallery of entries will also be showcased on the Knife Angel Lancashire Facebook page.
