Brighton Tattoo Convention
The Brighton Tattoo Convention, after 7 years of evolving into a premier international show, will bring a burst of color to the heart of the English winter with exciting new changes and additions — all while keeping the elements that have made it a success: stellar tattoo artists, engaging entertainment, thoughtful workshops and exhibits, unique vendors, and a fun and lively atmosphere.
For the first time since its start in 2008, the convention will be held over three days, kicking off Friday, 20th February at 3pm, and continuing all the way through to finish in the early hours of Monday, 23rd February. The tattooing, competitions, performances, seminars, workshops, and gallery shows will all take place in the largest exhibition space in Southern England, the Hilton Brighton Metropole, located directly on the seafront in the centre of the city.
This year, we’re showcasing over 350 world class artists from 16 countries, as far afield as Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Crotia, Poland, Scandinavia, Italy, Greece and the US; there will be a particular focus as well on fresh new talent from within the UK. With so many artists, dedicated tattoo fans can find their perfect tattoo over the weekend.
High on the list of people to catch this year: US big hitters Dan Smith, Megan Massacre, Bugs, Eric Gonzalez, BJ Betts and Big Meas. Newcomers this year are Greece’s Dirty Roses and Sake Tattoo Crew, who will be offering their unique styles of tattoo art. Flying the flag for Great Britain, London’s Valerie Vargas & Stewart Robson bring their new studio, Modern Classic, down for the weekend. Also watch out for up-and-coming artists including Math, Craig Ridley, Swambo, Kode, and Ryan Evans. Adding to the excitement, the Godfathers of UK Tattooing Lal Hardy & George Bone will be in attendance. Lal, as well as Adam Heys, will be offering workshops the first day of the convention, in addition to others sharing their expertise on tattoo history, art and culture.
Art lovers will also thoroughly enjoy the engaging work of Spain’s Ramon Maiden, who brings his 2015 art exhibition to show in Europe for the first time.
The Brighton Tattoo Convention always feaures top quality tattoo competitions, but this year, the focus is purely on work completed at the show. The competitions are open to all tattoo styles, sexes, and sizes, independently judged by tattooists, throughout the show. This year’s completely bespoke artist awards are being designed and handmade by Dale at Rotary Works.
Keeping us entertained will be live music legends The Meteors opening the show on Friday night. Definitely one gig not to miss! Saturday sees us in party mode with the stage hosting The Sex Pistols Experience, as well as King Salami and the Cumberland 3. On Sunday, there’s a free aftershow party, hosted by the Brighton Rockabilly Rumble Club, all held on site at the Hilton. Brighton’s very own Stay Sick DJ will be spinning the whole weekend, with further acts and bands to be announced.
Food and drink offerings will also be expanded, with handmade vegan cakes, great coffee, and specially created cocktails added to the mix, alongside a bar that’s open to 2 am each night, to catch up with old friends and make plenty of new ones.
For those looking to bring home something more than a new tattoo, there will be trade suppliers, reference books, vintage clothing, bespoke jewellery, unique original artwork, and show merchandise. You can even get a haircut from barbers especially flown in from California.
With so many experiences to be had, it’s a weekend not to be missed!
Tickets are available from www.skiddle.com, priced from £12.50 for Friday to £45 for the weekend. Free entry for those under 16.
For more information:
Woody (Organisor) brightontattoo@mac.com
Marisa Kakoulas (Press) btcmediamail@gmail.com
Info (Tickets) support@skiddle.com
