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London International Tattoo Convention

By , About.com Guide

Tattoo artist© Laura Porter (2007) licensed to About.com, Inc.
About The London International Tattoo Convention:
The London International Tattoo Convention was first held in 2005 and has become the number one alternative event of the year in London. In 2007, 20,000 fans of body art packed into the Old Truman Brewery and hundreds had to be turned away making it one of the busiest and most popular conventions in the world. In 2008 they relocated to a much bigger site at Tobacco Dock, a renovated hidden treasure of beautiful Victorian architecture, just a few minutes from Tower Bridge.

Top tattoo artists are flying in from as far away as Japan, China, Thailand and Singapore, let alone from all over Europe, America, and the UK.

As well as over 200 tattoo artists, there is a huge amount of complementary entertainment and visual experiences to enjoy, including exhibitions, artistic events, live rock bands, burlesque performers from around the world, let alone a range of traditional East End themed bars, restaurants and food stalls. But the best part of attending can be seeing the visitors and their tattoos.

When:
An annual September or October event.

2009 Dates: 25, 26, 27 September 2009

2009 Guinness World Record Attempt:
On Saturday 26 September 2009 at 3pm, organizers will attempt to set a new record for the biggest number of people getting tattooed in the same venue at the same time, fully monitored by and under strict conditions and guidelines imposed by Guinness World Records. Wow, that's going to be noisy!
Late Drinking:
The massive underground vault floor, with its extensive sprawling nooks and crannies, hosts a fetish market, a vibrant alternative market place, coffee shops and other chill out zones and bars licensed until 1am. The 'Vince Ray Rock'n'Roll Voodoo Crypt' hosted by the man himself, will once again have a nightclub vibe created by none other than Torture Garden, who promise numerous dark, alternative sideshows and entertainment.

Zodiac Mindwarp will headline the Voodoo Crypt Stage on Saturday 26 September at 11pm playing tracks from their new "Viking-mythology-inspired" studio album, 'We Are Volsung'.

Where:
Tobacco Dock
50 Porters Walk
Wapping
London
E1W 2SF

The ground floor of Tobacco Dock, where the main Tattoo Convention will be situated, has a huge purpose built bar and restaurant and acres of space for the hundreds of stalls, studios, exotic esoteric dances, shows, exhibits, and art events taking place.

Nearest Tube Station: Tower Hill

Use Journey Planner to plan your route by public transport.

Tickets:
1 day ticket: £20
3 day pass: £50

Available from: www.thelondontattooconvention.com.

Top Tips:
  • Buy tickets in advance.
  • Lots to see so pace yourself or it can be overwhelming.
  • Definitely consider a weekend pass, particularly if you are planning to get a new tattoo as you can then watch the artists at work to help you make your decision.
  • Trade supplies always available.
  • Check out the Events as there is always lots going on.
  • Don't miss the Tattoo Contests. If you want to enter, you'll need to register upon arrival. There are contests each day, but the Sunday has more categories.
  • Bring your camera as you will see some amazing artworks, both in artists portfolios and on the people walking around.
Official Website:
www.thelondontattooconvention.com

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