London Tattoo Convention

One of the biggest and most exceptional tattoo circuses on the planet takes over London's Tobacco Dock every September. This show has been going for so long, and operating at such a consistently high level, that it's easy to overlook just what it has achieved.

With possibly Le Mondial du Tatouage in Paris as its only rival, the London Convention always puts together one of the most high calibre artist line-ups in the world. There were more than 400 tattoo legends, tattoo pioneers and tattoo trendsetters here, with the latest fads sitting alongside the best in traditional and historic tattoo styles, all celebrated in equal measure.

Huge crowds of tattoo enthusiasts and tattoo artists seeking inspiration filled the maze-like corridors of the incredible Tobacco Dock venue. With so much colour, character and atmosphere, the London Convention is akin to the Olympics or World Cup of tattooing (but with better medals for the competition winners!) The best tattoos in the world are on show here. Even artists who aren't officially participating send along the cream of their work to be paraded throughout the show. Awe-inspiring body suits and mind-blowing tattoos of all styles and sizes are everywhere to be seen.