Tattoo artist's convention makes mark on Newbury's alternative scene

A tattoo artist has made his mark on the alternative art scene in Newbury with his a two-day debut tattoo convention.

Organiser Lee Priddy rounded up between 800 and 900 attendees for the town’s first tattoo and music event at the Corn Exchange on August 6 and 7.

“It was better than I expected to be honest,” the Newbury-based tattoo artist said.

“Newbury has a huge art scene but we didn’t have anything that celebrated it.

“There were more people than we had expected, it just felt constantly busy the whole time.”

A variety of art was displayed in the 30 booths from tattoo artists, offering live tattooing, to trade stalls selling t-shirts and other items, and live performances including a set from local pop punk band Big Drink.

Mr Priddy, who spent the day talking to everyone and making sure artists had what they needed, commented on the positive response he received.

He said: “They were all just stoked. They were coming up to me saying this is what we needed.

“This is a really culturally significant thing for Newbury for alternative arts.

“It is not like painting or fine art or sculpture, it is alternative, it is bit different and there is such a big community for it in Newbury and Thatcham.”

Sunday saw artists awarded for their work in an end of convention competition.

Kelly Julio from Tiger Lily Oxford bagged best tattoo for Saturday, while Tom Johnson from No Morals Studio won best tattoo for Sunday for his Eminem portrait.

Mr Priddy, who has been tattooing for around a decade, added: “The awards were something I was a bit unsure of as art is really subjective but it was really cool to have this extra aspect.

“It is quite brave to put your work out on show. People were asking how can I do better? How can I evolve?

“It was run by an artist which made a difference because I knew what they needed.

“People say there isn’t much going on in Newbury so I thought I would do something myself.

“I thought I would like an event celebrating tattooing and music so I should try to do it myself. It is something a lot of people were calling out for.”

Another event is already on the cards for next year.