Rochdale borough to host the Forever Amnesty Bee next week

The sculpture symbolises Greater Manchester's complete intolerance to all forms of violent behaviour

The thought-provoking Greater Manchester (GM) Bee sculpture created from knives and guns taken off the streets, will be visiting Rochdale for a week between 27 June to 2 July 2022.

The Bee, produced by British Ironwork Centre, is a dedicated monument for Greater Manchester. In partnership with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) this ongoing amnesty campaign, “Forever Amnesty”, collected weapons across GM to create a thought-provoking anti-violence monument.

The sculpture will be used as an educational tool and will symbolise the city region's complete intolerance of all forms of violent behaviour.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We are really pleased that the Bee is coming to our borough. The variety and sheer volume of weapons surrendered is a stark reminder that our need to suppress violence is an ongoing effort that requires a continual focus. The Bee is a tangible example of people’s positive choices against violence and shows our community's commitment towards anti-violence as every weapon that forms the Bee has been surrendered during the amnesty.

“When we see the Bee, we can all reflect on its meaning to us and realise that each weapon surrendered has potentially saved a life.

“Once the Bee leaves the borough, we continue with our campaigns to keep the borough safe, such as the Safe for Summer, reducing antisocial behaviour (ASB) on the Metrolink and providing activities to youth groups, to help engage our younger residents and support their parents.”

Throughout the week the Bee will visit youth centres in Middleton and Milnrow, the Darnhill Festival in Heywood, Rochdale football ground, Rochdale leisure centre, Rochdale Sixth Form College and also make an appearance at the Rochdale in Rainbows Youth Pride festival in Broadfield Park on Thursday 30 June.

More information and a list of venues can be found here.