Kokova Magazine

The 11th edition of the one and only London International Tattoo Convention will take place over the weekend of 25th, 26th and 27th September 2015 at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, London E1W 2SF.

A unique gathering of the 'who's who' of the royalty of the tattoo world, the London Tattoo Convention has become THE coolest, best ever global gathering devoted to body art on the planet.

Every year, thousands of tattoo artists from all around the world apply to the Tattoo Life Publication organisers in the hope of being able to practise their art in public at this inimitable event. 2015 sees the bar being raised ever higher, with well over 400 of the finest, most talented, elite tattoo artists confirmed to converge on Tobacco Dock in the last weekend of September.

Nowhere else will in the world will you find such accomplished skin-inkers as TV stars Megan Massacre (NY Ink & America's Worst Tattoos), Tim Hendricks, (NY Ink) and Phil Kyle (London Ink) all working under one roof at the same time.

A superlative schedule of essential live musical acts, risque alternative entertainers, beautiful tattooed pin-up models and inspirational art exhibitions will be on offer - as you would expect at the greatest, most respected and prestigious tattoo convention in the world.

Don Ed Hardy, a living legend on the international tattoo scene, has graciously accepted the invitation to exhibit his work for the first time in tattoo convention history. 'Multiple Hardy Marks' will showcase his multifaceted artistic career, which over many years has involved a tireless investigation of the most varied and original media - from engraving to ceramics, oil painting, acrylics and watercolours.

The exhibition centres on a series of exquisite prints from the '90s as well as more recent original drawings and paintings. This is a truly unique opportunity to get a look up close at the work of a historic tattoo artist and see him from a new perspective. See him as an all-round artist who over the years has used every possible medium with constant nods to the iconography of tattoo to express his conception of life and art.

The Fuel Girls, the original and best fire-breathing tattooed acrobatic dance troupe in the world, will return to star as the resident performers on the Main Stage, alongside a diverse host of amazing burlesque, sword swallowing, striptease and trapeze performers.

Over on the Voodoo Stage, a host of vital live bands, including Alabama 3 (Acoustic), Big Joe Bone, Henry’s Funeral Shoe, Carousel Vertigo and Vince Ray & The Boneshakers are set to provide multiple musical distractions. Many more acts and attractions are set to be announced.

The finals of the Miss Pinup UK and Miss Pinup International will be held and judged over the three days of the convention, plus there will be a massive marketplace with a huge range of kit - which you definitely won't find in the UK's notoriously homogeneous high streets - on offer.

Alongside the customary extensive range of food and drink available, there will be the unstoppable Brewdog Brewery with its wide range of uncompromising class craft beers, as well as a massive real ale and cider bar. The Hard Rock Cafe will also have its own Rock Bar at The International London Tattoo Convention 2015, where you can try Hard Rock Cocktails and purchase awesome merchandise.

The biggest show of all, however, will, as ever, be that proffered by the visitors themselves, who become the lead characters when they compete in the tattoo contests for different categories, such as Best Tribal, Best Backpiece, Best Black & Grey, Best Colours and Best of Show.

Advance tickets, priced at £20 for Friday, £30 for Saturday, £25 for Sunday or £60 for a weekend pass, are available to purchase via www.thelondontattooconvention.com. Admission for visitors under 14 is free, provided they are accompanied by an adult.