First tattoo convention to be held in Wirral

The Wirral Tattoo Extravaganza will take place over next year’s August bank holiday weekend between August 23-24 at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion.

The two-day event will be a celebration of tattoo culture featuring a line up of local tattoo artists, special guests, live music, and small businesses.

Event-goers will be able to get tattoos, appreciate the artistry, explore laser tattoo removal options, and visit professional piercers for a range of body modifications.

Shannon Ellis, owner of Speakeasy Tattoo Studio on Wallasey Road who is hosting the event, told the Globe: “The idea of the convention came to me one day after we won best tattoo studio in Wirral.

Shannon Ellis, owner of Speakeasy Tattoo Studio on Wallasey Road (Image: Shannon Ellis)

“I always wanted to take the studio to the next level without franchising, and I love conventions so this seemed to be the perfect idea.

“Plus, our studio gets on well with other studios in the area and I love where I’m from and would love to showcase what we all have to offer.”

Shannon will be hosting the event along with her other colleagues including Avalon Priestley, Sammie Abbott, Lucy Clayton, Sophie peacock and Susan Priestley.

Sammie Abbott (Image: Shannon Ellis)

Shannon, who has been a tattooist for 17 years and owned Speakeasy for 11, said: “The event's main purpose is to showcase artists from all over the Wirral, extending to Chester, Ellesmere Port and some from Liverpool.

“Not only tattooists but piercers and laser tattoo removal.

“As well as the artists we will be showcasing tonnes of small businesses too who hand make and sell all their own bits. We hope to have a great mixture.

Lucy Clayton (Image: Shannon Ellis)

“There will also be a stage where we will have performances on throughout both days including bands and fire breathers. Not to mention food stalls and treat tables plus much more.

“As well as us girls at Speakeasy there will hopefully be around 70 tattoo artists from all over the surrounding areas. Invitations have already been sent out."

“We are also looking for more small businesses that might like to rent a stall at the event and they can email us at Wirraltattooextravaganza@gmail.com.”