The reason why escapes why me, but we managed to miss what many people described as the local event of 2009 – the Bournemouth Ink Tattoo Convention at The Opera House (now 02 Academy). This year sees the event build on last year’s success, with a move to the BIC and an array of entertainment which we’d be equally stupid to miss. For those more interested in music than Ink, there is more than enough entertainment lined up to keep you seduced and engrossed all weekend. Around forty local artists will be performing on two stages, with FairPlay running the acoustic stage. The main stage features many local favourites, for a look at what’s on offer musically, this is the page for you. Of course there’s far more on offer than music and tattooists, when you’ve got a spare hour take a look at the official site. Those lovely folk at Devils Music know how to organise an event, and they’ve been kind enough to send us some words about what the weekend has in store…

Bournemouth Ink, Bournemouth’s very own Tattoo Festival is now officially International. Held on the 29th & 30th May 2010 there will now be over 100 tattoo artists travelling from as far afield as Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Germany, Finland and Samoa. On top of this, Dan Gold and Phil Kyle from the London Ink TV series will also be working at the convention.

Of course, Bournemouth Ink is more than just a tattooing convention. It adds a festival style line up including market stalls selling Retro, Burlesque and alternative fashion items & accessories, entertainment from bands, burlesque and visual performances throughout the weekend. Highlights will include: Polly Rae & the Hurly Burly Girlys, who have just come off of the West End with their Burlesque review, The Amazing Ari; International Aerial artist, Circus freak shows from The Pariah Circus, live music from Pronghorn and Lady Winwoods Maggot and Miss Fan-teasy; Burlesque performer who will be bringing a selection of girls from her showgirl academy to tease and please through the weekend.

One of the event organisers, Richard Stannard said:
“Bournemouth Ink is a celebration of the art and culture that surrounds tattoo’s and tattooing industry. We intend to make it a festival that you won’t forget and you don’t need to have a tattoo to come along and appreciate the art.”

Tickets are also available from:

The BIC Box Office
Forever & Ever Tattoo Studio, Poole Hill, Bournemouth
Metal Fatigue, Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth
Ink Studio, Ashley Road, Poole
The Studio, Wareham
Dorset Music Forum, Boscombe
Frolic Records, Bournemouth

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