London Tattoo Convention 2013

This year’s festival season is not over yet! For those interested in alternative scene and those who keep their horizons open there was still plenty to do and see last weekend at London Tattoo Convention in Tobacco Dock.

This weekend long international festival brings people from all round the UK and beyond to admire, share and experience tattoos as a way of life, body image and state of mind, some even argue as an addiction.

Tobacco Dock, an impressive, complex venue in Wapping, East London was buzzing with noise of working needles in hands of most skilled, desired tattooist showcasing live their skills on keen convention goers. The excitement was incurable and made the atmosphere electric and vibrant. 

The look of the crowd was head turning, the most sexy and creative ranged from vintage, Boardwalk Empire style to punk and burlesque, but everyone was with more or less tattoos, piercings, ear stretchers, inserts and scars. There was something for everyone.

Variety of food and plenty of drink on offer created a perfect hang out and opportunity to meet people from all around the world; have a pint with mates and a pie with strangers. 

The stage was blazing hot with steamy performances from Fuel Girls, Cervena Fox, Janet Fischietto and The Nerdy Stripper.

Even a slight wardrobe malfunction of one of the girls didn’t bring the atmosphere down but definitely added wicked humour to her hot performance.

For those interested in graffiti, (non-high street) fashion, jewellery (we not talking Tiffany here but plugs and body piercing) there were some real gems and great, twisted (in some cases literally) one- off numbers available to purchase.  

Stunning live graffiti work was showcased by The Graffiti Life which last year saw amazing spray reconstruction on canvas of no one else but Mister Walter White himself and sexy Cleo WstternstrÖm this year. 

For plain and square tattoo enthusiast there was no better place to be this weekend. The kin and spontaneous were getting something tattooed on the spot, those with a plan were bursting with excitement longing for their pre-arranged appointments. Over 300 exhibiting tattoo artists ranged from very indulgent and famous NYC Ink crew to traditional tattooist like Sanya Olman from Mexico, with her most beautiful designs in ancient tap tattoo technique.

Tattoos are becoming mainstream, may be a nuisance to some may be a relief to others. However alternative the theme may seem, saucy the performances of the ladies were and the noise of needles at work didn’t stop it was a family event. The age didn’t matter, or gender, or style – it was all about tattoos and having a great time.