The organiser of the first Great British Tattoo Show is plotting a larger footprint next year following a successful debut at Olympia.
 
The first exhibition was held from 21 to 22 April at Olympia’s National Hall and was organised by Jazz Fashion Publishing, which produces several tattoo titles including Skin Deep and Tattoo Master. The company acquired the Manchester International Tattoo Show last year and also runs Tattoo Jam at Doncaster Racecourse and Tattoo Freeze at the Telford International Centre in January.
 
“The [London] show came about due to demands for a fantastic event, which can be grown and built upon in the nation’s capital,” event manager Shelley Bond said. “We attract tattoo artists from all over the world so London made sense in terms of accessibility and appeal.”
 
The first edition attracted 130 working tattooists and 50 vendors as exhibitors. The organiser claimed 8,000 attendees (unaudited).
 
With a strong focus on fashion, the Great British Tattoo Show featured a central stage with a catwalk, breakdancing and burlesque dancing, plus a room covering traditional, contemporary and urban trends. A 30-foot graffiti wall and an indoor box jump with several UK BMX tricksters were also highlights.
 
“Initial feedback was fantastic and plans are already forging for 2013,” Bond said. “The show will remain almost the same, just larger.”
 
The next Manchester International Tattoo Show will take place at Manchester Central from 4 to 5 August and is expected to cover  5,000sqm.
 
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