What to pack, who to see, and why the afterparty might just be the main event.
Tattoo convention season is here – and whether you're a seasoned collector or first-timer, it helps to know what you're walking into. For some, it’s all about the tattoos – a chance to get tattooed by a world-class artist they’ve followed online for years. For others, it’s hunting for the perfect print, patch, or weird collectible they didn’t know they needed. And for plenty of people, it’s simply about showing up and being part of the scene.
“For me, it’s seeing people I don’t often get to,” says Rae, long-time tattoo convention attendee and events manager at Stories & Ink. “Most of the time I’m there for work or because friends are tattooing – I’ve never really done the customer thing. But conventions pull everyone into the same space for once.
“Tattoo artists are usually flat out, always travelling or in the studio, so it’s rare you get proper time with them. The evenings are the best bit – machines are off, everyone’s exhausted but still somehow up for a drink and a catch-up at the afterparty in a different city.”
Rae at The Tattoo Tea Party, Manchester 2025
IRL Versus Online
Forget DMs and double-taps – the magic of conventions is all in the face-to-face.
“Online has its place, but it’s not the same,” says Rae. “In person, you get actual conversations – not just a comment or a like. You see familiar faces you didn’t realise you missed, and new ones you’ve only ever seen through a screen. There’s just this shared feeling that it’s good to all be in the same room for once.”
What Makes a Convention Great? (Hint: It’s Not Just the Big Names)
Sure, headline artists draw crowds – but the heart of a good convention is in the mix.
Rae says her ideal convention is, “A good mix of people. Not just big-name artists, but newer ones, piercers, indie brands, and all the weird and wonderful bits in between. The best ones don’t feel too polished – they leave room for the smaller, scrappier stuff that actually makes it interesting. It’s busy, a bit chaotic, sometimes overwhelming – but that’s the charm. Everyone’s running on fumes and still somehow full of energy. No idea how artists do it – tattooing back-to-back for days and still being lovely to everyone!”
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
There’s no one way to do a convention, but a bit of prep goes a long way. With the right mindset (and the right bag), you’ll thrive.
- Bring a tote – Flyers, stickers, spontaneous merch purchases. You’ll need somewhere to stash the lot.
- Dress comfy – You’ll be standing, queuing, crouching, sweating, repeat. Now’s not the time for rigid denim.
- Abandon the checklist – You won’t see everything. That’s the point.
- Soak it all in – Say hi. Watch someone tattooing. Buy something from someone new. That’s the good stuff.
“You'll never manage to see or do everything there, but the fun's in showing up, supporting artists, discovering new ones, and taking it all in,” adds Rae.
UK Tattoo Conventions to Hit in 2025
Here’s your cheat sheet to the best spots to catch world-class work and discover your next favourite artist.
Big North Tattoo Show
📍 Newcastle | 🗓️ May 10-11
300 artists. Loads of entertainment. One of the North’s most iconic ink events.
Find out what’s on: bignorthtattooshow.com/whats-on
Leeds Tattoo Expo
📍 Leeds | 🗓️ June 7 -8
10th anniversary edition. Expect music, art, and a massive international lineup.
For more info, see: firstdirectarena.com/events/detail/leeds-tattoo-expo-2025
Belfast Tattoo Convention
📍 Belfast | 🗓️ June 7–8
150+ artists from around the globe. Entertainment highlights include live music, hypnotism shows, stand-up comedy and more.
Get more info at: belfasttattooconvention.com/
York Tattoo Convention
📍 York | 🗓️ June 21–22
Expect live tattooing, unique trader stalls, award-winning artists, great food, Viking re-enactments, live bands, and roaming entertainers.
Find out more at: yorkinternationaltattooconvention.co.uk/
Bristol Tattoo Convention
📍 Bristol | 🗓️ July 5-6
250+ artists. 60+ first-timers.
See more at: bristoltattooconvention.com/
Locked Up Shrewsbury
📍 Shrewsbury Prison | 🗓️ July 13–14
Tattooing behind bars? You heard right. This one’s inside a real Victorian prison.
Expect gritty vibes, incredible artists, and inky history all under one (haunted?) roof.
Artist lineup: lockedupshrewsbury.co.uk/
Tattooed Planet
📍 Manchester | 🗓️ August 23–24
Made by artists, for artists. Pure community vibes.
Check the list to see who’s there: tattooedplanet.com/artists/
Big London Tattoo Show 2025
📍 ExCeL London | 🗓️ Sept 19–21
450 artists. Fairground rides. Sideshows. Vaudeville.
Find out more at: biglondontattooshow.com/
Final thoughts: Just show up
Tattoo conventions aren’t just about the tattoos. They’re about connection, chaos, community. Whether you’re getting tattooed, scouting new artists, or just soaking in the buzz – there’s nothing quite like it.
So book the train. Wear the comfy shoes. And bring that tote.