The knife angel statue is set to leave Wrexham on Monday, October 31, following a moving closing ceremony highlighting the consequences of knife crime.
The civic ceremony was held at Queen's square on Wednesday, October 26, led by Mayor of Wrexham Brian Cameron.
The monument stands at 8.2m (27ft) tall, weighing 3.5 tons, and is made from over 100,000 seized knives and weapons collected from all 43 Police Constabularies across the UK.
READ MORE: Knife Angel statue arriving in Wrexham tomorrow ahead of month-long display
Knife Angel artist Alfie Bradley of the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, designed the touring artwork to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour and to solidify critical need for social change.
For the artist, the statue's presence in Wrexham holds particular importance as his baby is due to be born in the city in the coming weeks.
The artist was present for the closing ceremony last night and spoke about Wrexham's' significance to the statue in his speech.
He said: “I’m so chuffed it is here now because one of the first families that we spoke with was the Maddocks family that are here now.
"I know we’ve been trying to get it to Wrexham for years and years and years – and it is finally here now.
“I really hope that the angel really put the message out there about the dangers of knife crime and violence. I hope that young people or people, middle aged people, anyone that’s come here has really got the message and the people are going to talk about it."
Anti-knife campaigner Danny Maddocks was also present at the ceremony.
In a moving and emotional speech, Mr Maddocks said: “Nine years ago our family lost my brother Craig. Craig was a much loved son, father, uncle, a friend to many. The shock and sadness of losing him at just 34 years old, it is something as a family we have never got over. The grief was so much harder under the circumstances and the fact that he was killed by someone using a knife.
“Craig was a talented boxer that never would have fought outside of the ring. He would never have fought with a knife. He had no chance to defend himself. As a family we are involved in the Knife Angel and what it stands for.
READ MORE: Anti-knife campaigner Danny Maddocks' plea to parents
“We also set up an organisation called On The Knife Edge. I wanted to do this to stop people carrying knives and other families suffering the pain that we have. I have worked alongside the Youth Justice Service and North Wales Police to educate people on the dangers of knife crime. We want less people carrying knives around Wrexham, if they don’t carry them, they won’t use them.
“We have seen an impact already by knives that have been collected from knife banks. We will continue our hard work to keep knives out of Wrexham and other families going through what we have.”
“If you are willing to carry a knife you are willing to use a knife.”
“Remember, one night of madness can give many years of sadness.”
Mayor Brian Cameron and High Sheriff of Clwyd, Zoe Henderson reflected on the success of the statue in Wrexham.
Cllr Cameron said: “It has been a campaign that has started a much needed conversation to break taboos and bring about an end to knife crime. I have no doubt that the presence of the Knife Angel has been extremely evocative.
“The volume of people stopping to look at it whilst on their daily commute or wander through town has been incredible. The floods of pictures posted online by people capturing the moments of seeing such a spectacular monument is more than just a memory shared by social media."
High Sheriff Zoe Henderson reflected that the sheer number of knives included on the statue highlighted the issue of knife crime.
The touching ceremony came to conclusion with a minute's silence led by Police and Crime Comissioner, Andy Dunbobbin in memory of those lost to knife crime.
The statue will remain in Wrexham until Monday, October 31 at Queen's Square, before it is then transported to Newport in continuation of the UK tour.
Members of the public at the ceremony shared their thoughts on the statue.
One attendee said: "It is one little thing that has helped us all."
Another commented that they were lost for words and found the whole ceremony "chilling".
Full video of the closing ceremony and speeches can be seen here.
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