Leeds Tattoo Expo (2026)

The Leeds Tattoo Expo is a two-day tattoo convention held at First Direct Arena in Leeds city center. The 2026 event runs June 6-7 and marks the 11th edition of the show. First Direct Arena sits on Clay Pit Lane in the LS2 postcode, a ten-minute walk from Leeds railway station. The venue opened in 2013 and hosts the expo in its main concourse and exhibition halls, with natural light from the glass atrium hitting the booth rows by midday. The event brings tattoo artists from across Yorkshire, Manchester, and London to work on pre-booked appointments and walk-ups. Vendor booths sell needles, inks, aftercare products, and printed flash. The floor plan mixes open-plan tattoo stations with merchandise stalls selling clothing and jewelry. This is the 11th Leeds Tattoo Expo since the show started. It has grown from a hotel conference room event to filling arena floor space. The organizer books guest spots for blackwork, neotraditional, and Japanese specialists, though the lineup varies year to year. Doors open at 11:00 AM both days and close at 6:00 PM on Saturday and 5:00 PM on Sunday. Day tickets and weekend passes are available at the door unless the venue hits capacity. First Direct Arena has a multi-story car park adjacent to the building, and the Merrion Centre offers additional parking two minutes away. Hotels near the arena include the Clayton Hotel Leeds and Travelodge Leeds Central. Leeds has a long history of tattoo shops serving the industrial trade and music scenes. The city sits between Manchester and York, drawing collectors from across the north of England. The expo reflects this mix, with artists ranging from street shop regulars to private studio owners. Attendees should bring photo ID, cash for deposits, and wear comfortable shoes. The arena floor is concrete, and seating is limited in the aisles between booths.