Kokova Magazine

For us, it is all about the glorious gluten-free selection of cakes that are on sale for the whole weekend event from a small stand nestled in the central staircase.

But for all tattoo and music lovers, Orange Goblin, Raging Speedhorn, The Broken Chords, Willie & The Bandits, King Kurt and Urban Voodoo Machine have all been confirmed to perform live at the 12th London Tattoo Convention, taking place over the weekend of September 23/24/25th at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, London E1W 2SF.

Having already announced over 400 of the world's finest, most prestigious and elite tattoo artists as attending the most exciting, anticipated, spectacular and resoundingly successful celebration of body art in the world, the Tattoo Life organisers have upped the rock and metal music ante even higher than ever.

Orange Goblin, who have created a unique, heavy sound that lies somewhere between doom, stoner, classic metal, 70’s inspired heavy-rock, punk, blues and everything in between. since forming in 1995, will play the headline slot on Saturday night, 24th September.

Raging Speedhorn, who fuse sludge metal, hardcore, and stoner elements to devastating effect at their explosive live shows, are set to headline the main stage on Friday night, September 23rd.

Wille and the Bandits, a classic blues rock three piece in the vein of Cream or The Jimi Hendrix Experience, absolutely bursting at the seams with textures, originality and soul, have also been confirmed to star on the main stage.

King Kurt - the absolutely bonkers psychobilly prankster rockers who stormed the UK singles charts in the early-mid 1980's are set to headline the Voodoo Crypt stage.

Urban Voodoo Machine - Part Gogol Bordello and part demented cabaret, this London collective, which marries a whole cavalcade of genres, including mariachi, gypsy punk and sideshow rock 'n' roll, have also been confirmed to play on the Voodoo Crypt Stage.

A whole feast of alternative attractions and numerous diverse distractions will also be vying for attendees' attention, not least the first ever 2000AD art exhibition, featuring original artworks from the finest illustrators of the U'’s oldest and most iconic comic, will be on display, and attendees will be able to purchase numerous prints, books and other 2000AD merchandise at the convention. The full list of famous artists and illustrators who are set to be present at the exhibition, meeting fans and signing their unique prints, can be accessed via the event website.

The Fuel Girls, the electrifying, original and best fire-breathing tattooed acrobatic dance troupe in the world will return to star as the resident performers on the 'Fuel Stage', which will also boast the debut appearance of the dynamic new Circus Of Men troupe and much more.

Also new for this year is the 'Pyrohex' stage, hosted by the London based high octane pyro-fire-aerial performance group Pyrohex, who were such a hit at 2015's tumultuous convention that they've now got their very own podium. Watch jaws drop as the sensational Cervena Fox, Shelly D inferno, Rebecca Crow and Sununu Hernandez amaze with their latest group act with fire.

The Main 'Tattoo Life' Stage will host new Tattoo Competitions for Saturday and Sunday, with a brand new catwalk allowing the public and press to fully appreciate and capture the tattoo competition entrants' high caliber skin - inked artworks.

The huge, diverse vendors and traders market will be packed with even more head-turning alternative stuff than you can shake a stick at. The usual wide-ranging selection of food and drink which will also be on offer, including a massive choice of real ales, ciders, craft beers and cocktails, plus everything from Mexican to freshly cooked Malaysian foods, German Sausages, gourmet burgers and vegetarian options.

Don't delay in making plans to immerse yourself in the most sublime, thrilling weekend on the planet. Advance tickets, priced at £20 for Friday, £30 for Saturday, £25 for Sunday or £50 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.