Quay Arts in Newport hosts the return of the Isle of Wight Tattoo Convention on 6 June after a two-year hiatus. Thirty UK tattoo artists are working across the Anthony Minghella Theatre space, alongside competitions, trade stalls, and live music. The convention is open to the tattoo community and to anyone interested in the art form, and the Quay Arts setting gives the event an arts-centre context that a hotel conference room does not.
The convention format is more open and accessible than many people expect: you can walk around watching artists work, talk to traders about equipment and products, watch the competition judging, and attend or not attend at a pace that suits you. Getting tattooed at the convention is one option, not the entire point. The Newport location puts the event in the middle of the island's main cultural venue, which means the surrounding area has cafes, the harbour, and the town centre to explore alongside the event itself.
Entry from £10. iowtattooconvention.co.uk for full details. More arts and community events on the Isle of Wight through the summer.
