Pupils at a Derby school will be among the first in the city to get up close and personal with a giant sculpture of a bee made from various weapons seized off the streets of Manchester.
The anti-violence bee statue, created by the British Iron Work Centre – the same people behind the breathtaking Knife Angel statue that toured the city and county in 2021 – stands at 11ft high and features knives and firearms collected during an arms amnesty organised by Greater Manchester Police.
It will begin its tour of Derbyshire and Derby city on November 26, visiting The Bemrose School on November 30. The Uttoxeter Road school will be the first in the city to welcome the statue.
Executive headteacher Neil Wilkinson said: “The Knife Angel was really poignant and prompted a lot of conversations among young people in the city.
“It is hoped that the anti-violence bee will provoke the same emotions and we’re delighted to be welcoming it to The Bemrose School for our pupils to see up close.”
The worker bee is an important symbol to the people of Manchester, signifying a city made by workers and people. It was first adopted as a motif in the 18th Century, going on to feature on some of the city’s most prominent buildings, landmarks and brands.
The Anti-Violence Bee will visit The Bemrose School in November. Image: Joanne Jones.
However, when young fans of singer Ariana Grande were targeted at a concert held at Manchester Arena in 2017, the bee became a symbol of defiance and unity with the American having her own bee tattoo to commemorate those who tragically lost their lives.
Greater Manchester Police wanted to pay their own respects and, following the arms amnesty in which 7.5 tonnes of weapons were surrendered, The British Ironwork Centre set about creating a sculpture that would serve as a stark reminder that we need to rid our streets of such danger.
Officers from Derbyshire Constabulary will be touring with the bee, and will also be on hand to give advice, answer any questions and talk to staff and pupils at The Bemrose School.
Inspector Ellen Lovatt, from Derbyshire Constabulary’s Operational Support Department, said: “It is absolutely fantastic that we have secured the anti-violence bee and, to coincide with its visit, we’re encouraging the community to knit their own bees which will be donated to others with an anti-violence message during the tour.
“The response so far, from local groups and schools, has been encouraging and we’re looking forward to receiving many more bees.”
Anyone wishing to make and donate a bee – Derbyshire Constabulary are also asking for cardboard cut-outs of the insect – can do so and drop it off at the police headquarters in Ripley.
