Returning to the First Direct Arena for its 7th edition, the Leeds Tattoo Expo will once again bring together some of the best and brightest tattoo artists from around the world this 18th-19th June.

With around 180 artists signed on to spend the weekend at Leeds Arena, this is an excellent opportunity to see some amazing tattoo talent on a local and international level.

Don’t miss out on a visit to our sponsored artists’ tables – Six Bullets Tattoo in London will be sending over Ben Dunning with his fine art and surrealism style, as well as Chanelle Jasmin and her black and grey fantasy portraits. Kyle Williams from Grindhouse Tattoo Productions will also be in appearance, showcasing his horror portraits, while Joshua Beatson will be displaying some of his multi-disciplinary horror tattoos.

Coming from The Church studio is Kirsten Pettitt, bringing vibrant portrait realism, while natural and botanical colour realism can be found from Hattie Cox and Michelle Maddison from Tudor Row and the Keep, respectively.

While wandering around the immense tattoo talent – and maybe picking yourself up a quick ink – could occupy your whole weekend, there’s plenty more to see, including a bustling market of boutique traders for everything from clothes and jewellery to aftercare and industry equipment. Come by the Killer Ink stall for all your questions answered about our tattoo supplies!

The weekend will be packed with entertainment led by King Crimson, your drag king host for the weekend. From the fire breathing Steelcats to life drawing classes run by Dr Sketchy’s, you’ll also find Hex Tarot performing readings of your future, posture advice from The Spin Guy and even some dedicated Tattoo Accountants.

And of course, what would a tattoo expo be without competition? More information is yet to be released, but as always artists will be submitting their work for prizes at the end of the day. Less artistically inclined? Maybe try your luck at the fourth annual Leeds Beard Competition instead.

Set right in the centre of the city, Leeds Tattoo Expo is easy to access from across the country, and with tickets at just £14 for a single day or £20 for the weekend – although students can get their weekend tickets for a tenner – it’s bound to be a buzzing weekend!