Later this year, Quay Arts Centre in Newport will be playing host to the Isle of Wight Tattoo Convention.

Organised by tattoo artists, Tom Wharton (Boy Wonder Studio) and Filip Pasieka (Opium Tattoo Gallery), this two-day event takes place on 1st and 2nd October 2022.

There’ll be tattoo competitions, art exhibitions, live music, trade stalls and more, this family friendly event is sure to be a hit with many.

News OnTheWight spoke to Tom to find out more about the plans. He explained,

“Filip, who has his shop in London, but lives on the Island now, and I thought it was the right time for the Island to put on a Convention and try to bring good UK artists to the Island, but also to show them how cool the Isle of Wight is.”

Filip tattoos at most of the Mainland conventions and therefore has a good knowledge of what works and what doesn’t.

Hoping to show those coming from the Mainland something a bit different, Tom explained more,

“We’re using Quay Arts for something a bit different. Everyone involved, including the Quay are very excited about it.

“We’re trying to keep it a small, but quality event. All being well it could turn into an annual event, locally run and staffed, but with a Mainland convention style. This should be an amazing small event.”

Eleven tattoo artists from around the country have already been announced on the lineup, with more to come.

Follow the Instagram account to stay up to date with confirmed artists and latest news.

You are are a tattoo artist and would like to take part send a few words about yourself and photos of your recent tattoo work to [email protected]

The Isle of Wight Tattoo Convention take place in Quay Arts in Newport, on the 1st and 2nd October 2022.

Poster artwork by Simon “The Groundhog” Blay.