When and where is Oxford Tattoo Expo 2026?

The event runs June 13-14, 2026, at Spiceball Leisure Centre on Cherwell Drive in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Banbury is located 23 miles north of Oxford and is accessible via the M40 motorway or Banbury train station, which connects to London and Birmingham.

What happens at the Oxford Tattoo Expo?

The convention includes live tattooing across multiple styles, an artist competition with a specific prize, fire performances, DJ sets, and food vendors. Artists work on pre-booked and walk-up clients throughout both days while attendees can browse portfolios and watch work in progress.

How do I get tickets for Oxford Tattoo Expo 2026?

Ticket information is typically announced through the event's social media channels and local tattoo shop networks in the Oxfordshire area. Check with participating studios in Oxford and Banbury for advance ticket sales and weekend pass options.

What should I bring to the Oxford Tattoo Expo?

Bring photo ID, cash for deposits and food, and comfortable clothing. If you plan to get tattooed, wear loose-fitting clothes that allow access to the area you want work on. The venue has parking on site and basic facilities including accessible restrooms.

Is this event good for first-time tattoo collectors?

Yes. The atmosphere is relaxed compared to larger city conventions. You can browse portfolios, watch artists work, and discuss designs without pressure. Many artists offer flash designs suitable for first tattoos, and the smaller scale makes it easier to ask questions.

Oxford Tattoo Expo (2026)

Name: Oxford Tattoo Expo (2026)
Start: 2026-06-13
End: 2026-06-14
Location: Spiceball Leisure Centre

The Oxford Tattoo Expo 2026 is a two-day tattoo convention taking place June 13 and 14, 2026, at the Spiceball Leisure Centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Despite the Oxford name, the event is held in Banbury, a market town located 23 miles north of Oxford city center, near the junction of the M40 motorway. The convention fills the leisure centre with tattoo artists working on clients throughout the weekend. Attendees can walk the floor to watch live tattooing across various styles, from traditional British designs to contemporary blackwork and color pieces. Artists set up booths with portfolios available for review, and many take walk-up appointments for small pieces or flash work. The event includes a competition where artists submit work to win a specific prize, with judging typically occurring on the Sunday afternoon. Beyond the tattoo booths, the expo incorporates live fire performances, continuous music sets from DJs, and a selection of food vendors serving hot meals and snacks. This combination of body art and entertainment creates a festival atmosphere inside the sports facility, with the music and performance elements running alongside the tattooing. Spiceball Leisure Centre sits near the Oxford Canal and Banbury town center on Cherwell Drive. The venue has a large car park available for attendees, and the town offers chain hotels such as Premier Inn and Travelodge within a mile of the venue, plus smaller guesthouses in the town center. Banbury Station provides rail connections to London Marylebone and Birmingham New Street, with the venue located about 15 minutes walk from the station. The Oxford area has supported tattooing since the early 20th century, with several historic shops operating in Oxford city and surrounding towns. This expo draws from that regional history while providing space for newer artists to build clientele outside the busier London convention circuit. Tickets are typically available for single days or the full weekend. Visitors should bring cash for deposits and food vendors, though many artists accept cards for final payments. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has basic catering facilities on site.