When and where is York Tattoo Convention 2026?

The 2026 York Tattoo Convention takes place on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 at New Earswick Bowls Club, located at postcode YO32 9PX in York, England. The venue sits approximately three miles northeast of York city center.

What happens at this event?

The convention features live tattooing by artists from across the UK and Europe, body piercing services, and vendor stalls selling tattoo supplies, jewelry, and aftercare products. The event occupies the function rooms of the bowls club, creating an intimate setting with multiple rooms of activity rather than a single large hall.

How do I get tickets?

Ticket information for York Tattoo Convention #14 will be announced closer to the event date. Check the event's social media pages or contact participating tattoo studios in York for updates on weekend passes and day tickets.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring photo identification if you plan to get tattooed, as most artists require ID for legal documentation. Cash is useful for smaller vendors, though artists typically accept cards. The venue has a bar and parking, but hotels fill quickly in York during June, so book accommodation early.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The bowls club setting creates a smaller, less crowded environment than major city conventions, making it easier to speak directly with artists and watch the tattooing process up close. The 14th edition maintains a community-focused atmosphere that welcomes newcomers.

York Tattoo Convention #14 (2026)

Name: York Tattoo Convention #14 (2026)
Start: 2026-06-20
End: 2026-06-21
Location: New Earswick Bowls Club

The York Tattoo Convention returns for its 14th edition on June 20 and 21, 2026, taking place at New Earswick Bowls Club in the northeastern suburbs of York, England. This two-day gathering occupies the function rooms and grounds of the bowls club, creating an intimate setting distinct from larger warehouse-style conventions. The event brings tattoo artists and body piercers from across the UK and Europe to work on appointments and walk-ups throughout the weekend. Attendees can watch live tattooing across multiple styles, browse vendor stalls selling equipment, aftercare products, and jewelry, and consult with piercers for body modification work. The bowls club setting means the event spreads through a series of connected rooms rather than a single open hall, with artists working in booths set up throughout the space. Food and drink are available at the club bar, and the outdoor bowling greens provide space for fresh air breaks between sessions. This is the 14th year the convention has run, establishing it as a fixture in the northern England tattoo calendar. York itself sits within easy reach of Leeds, Sheffield, and Manchester, drawing artists and collectors from across Yorkshire and the north. The city has a growing tattoo culture, with studios operating in the medieval quarter near The Shambles and along Micklegate, though the convention itself sits outside the city walls in New Earswick. The local scene blends traditional British tattooing with contemporary styles, reflecting York's position as a historic city with a young, creative population. New Earswick Bowls Club offers on-site parking for visitors arriving by car. The venue is approximately three miles northeast of York city center and accessible by local bus routes including services from York railway station. For those staying overnight, hotels are available in central York, though attendees should book early as the city is a popular tourist destination in June. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with level access to the main function rooms. Tickets are typically available for single days or the full weekend, with entry granting access to all public areas of the convention. Visitors should bring cash for smaller vendors, though most artists accept cards for deposits and payments. The event maintains a community-focused atmosphere where first-time collectors can speak directly with artists in a less crowded environment than major city shows. Artists usually post available flash and appointment slots on social media in the weeks leading up to the event.