Ink lovers from far and wide are set to descend on the city this Weekend for the Manchester Tattoo Show.
Now in its 13th year, the show has firmly established itself as one of the leading conventions for body art, attracting some of the world’s best tattoo artists to leave their mark on Mancunians.
Sponsored by Tat mag Skin Deep, the convention based at Manchester Central, will be 10,000 square metres of all things tattoo from the wild to the wonderful and everything in between.
Shelly Bond, event organiser, said: “This year we have ‘13’ theme with related acts and performances taking place all weekend.
“There’s always a lot going on and there is something for everyone. It really is a great day out for all ages.”
Aside from world class artists, the show will play host to some dynamic, exciting an even risqué entertainment.
Magicians, contortionists, burlesque dancer Scarlett Daggers and tattooed sirens the Chaos Dolls will all be bringing some spice to proceedings
Head Chaos Doll Terri told MM: “With tattoos I love how they look and how each persons are so individual and express ones creative side. We are all about being colourful and standing out in a crowd.
SCORCHING: Terri is proud of her impressive array of tatts
“Conventions are a great way to meet and network with people who have a similar interest.
“With the Skindeep shows it’s also a family, I’ve been doing these shows for around three years now and I look forward to seeing the regular faces and catching up.”
Chaos girls they amalgamate burlesque, fire work and angle grinding to deliver a show stopping proportions.
Terri said: “We are so excited, this is the first convention some of my girls have been involved in so they are super hyped.”
She laughed: “Expect lots of fire and girls girls girls. That’s all I can reveal.”
CHAOS: The girls have earnt a reputation for their raunchy antics
Someone else who’s looking ready for the wild weekend is tattoo show veteran and inkspirational barber La Luka, who has been travelling up and down the country with Sandy Man Chop Shop, an old school barbers who’ve been setting the tattoo scene alight with their cuts.
La Luka told MM: “Everyone at the show has an interest in tattoos and tattoo culture and everything that goes along with it.
“It’s a chance to meet likeminded people to experience things together, and it’s a real party.
“Everyone is there for the same reason and you don’t get any negativity and you get experience for things you’d like done.
La Luka got his first tattoo when he 18 was and hasn’t looked back.
“For those who are intrigued by tattoos then by all means come along, it’s a great thing in life to be put into a situation which is unknown to you,” he said.
“Being around people who look different or have a different lifestyle is different is a healthy thing, especially for those who think that tattoo culture is a thug culture, and who are scared by tattoos.”
He added: “People with that mind-set should come along because they would honestly be so surprised because that really is not the case. It’s an incredible atmosphere, with some amazing people.”
DEDICATED: The show will bring tattoo fantatics together from around the UK
Tattoo fanatics all over Manchester have been tweeting in excitement at the prospect of getting some new work, finding some inspiration or just meeting new people.
So I’m booked in for a boba fett flash piece at the Manchester tattoo convention on Saturday.
— Breakfast King (@milfandcereal) July 30, 2014
Manchester tattoo convention this weekend, can’t wait
— Chelsie ॐ (@chelsharrison4) July 28, 2014
Manchester tattoo convention weekend… Solid advise from Mama G http://t.co/kGliBfpMoh
— GazzasaurausRex (@BangaReptile) August 1, 2014
This year, Manchester-based tattooist, Louis Molloy who has tattooed a host of celebrities, including David Beckham, is expected to be one of the most in-demand names at the event.
He will be joined by leading artists from the world over as well as some exceptional UK talent.
With some artists working on a first-come, first-served basis this is particularly appealing to those wanting some ink from the masters who rarely visit the UK.
To buy a ticket visit the website or buy on the door at Manchester Central.
MM will have the best pictures and interviews with the show’s most exciting tattoo artists on Monday in our coverage round-up.
Images courtesy of Dominic John Gregory Photographer, with thanks.
