It's bold, beautiful and sometimes bizarre - the Big North Tattoo Show always knows how to make a mark and its return to Newcastle this April 29-30 is set to attract the usual huge crowds.
Bringing together a range of tattoo artists from around the world under one roof at Utilita Arena, the show offers a unique opportunity to watch masters of the craft at work. And for those wanting their own one-off tattoo or personal piece of art, this promises to be just the place to get it.
The giant convention, billed as a family event, made its debut in the city in 2017 and proved an immediate hit. Alongside local tattoo artists who are given a wider platform for their art were renowned international names showcasing a range of different techniques.
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Since then the show's reputation has grown year on year, with 200-plus artists offering tattoos ranging from portraits to cartoon figures and traditional Samoan art and displaying skills such as an original 'handpoke' method, which does not involve machines, and hand-tapping - a painstaking process which uses bamboo sticks to impart ink.
While slots for tattoos are available to pre-book, others invite drop-ins at the work stations which can suit those who decide upon a spur-of-the-moment inking. Alongside all the tattoo action and competitons, this year's weekender - which marks the show's fifth outing in Newcastle - promises all the usual extra attractions, Visitors will find a live' gaming arcade and market, with food stalls and traders selling the likes of jewellery, alternative clothing and poster prints.
Other entertainment includes music and juggling or magic displays. This year, a special attraction is set to be The Fuel Girls, a choreographed fire and flames show which has a performance planned for Saturday at 2.30pm with the main show to follow at 5.45pm, then - on the Sunday - more slots at 1.15pm and 4.45pm.
Advance tickets for the Big North Tattoo Show, which are cheaper and allow earlier entry, cost £20 (plus a booking fee of £2.25) for a day of the convention or £35 to attend for the weekend (plus a £3.75 booking fee). Prices on the door will be £25 for a ticket for either day or £45 for a weekend ticket.
Children aged 14 and under have free entry. Opening times will be 10.30am for advance tickets and around 11.30am for general tickets.
The show will close at 9.30pm on the Saturday and 8pm on the Sunday. For tickets see here and more information about what's on offer keep and eye out here.
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