Seventh annual body art festival a huge success

Norwich Body Art Festival at the Open. Olivia Granger from Black Tide at Lakenheath at work. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2015)

The noise of tattoo machines filled the air during the two-day event at Open as more than 80 artists worked on their human canvases.

And the chance to get a new tattoo from some of the best local and international artists drew in hundreds of ink enthusiasts.

Co-organiser Gema Gold, who owns Indigo Tattoo Studio, said this year's event had been the biggest so far.

She added: 'Norwich has a huge tattoo culture, as well as people who are into the art of tattooing, which is why we started this.

Norwich Body Art Festival at the Open. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2015)

'We have a lot more artists coming now that when we first started, and the calibre of artist has changed. We are getting more people from across the country and overseas.'

Attending this year's show was traditional Maori tattooist Te Rangitu Netana Ta Moko, who has recently moved to Colchester from New Zealand.

For the past 24 years he has been practicing Ta Moko, which uses chisels to carve the skin rather than a needle.

Another highlight was a solo art exhibition by internationally renowned tattooist Xed Le Head, who was selling his work for the first time.

The 48-year-old, of London, said: 'I have a great respect for Gema because of the way she runs the festival here. A lot of other events try to bleed you of money, and it is very demoralising.

'But what she has put on is very respectful to the artists. She is wanting to present body art without it being a rip off.'

There was a wide selection of entertainment throughout the weekend, including live music and a chilli eating contest.

For more information, visit norwichbodyartfestival.co.uk.

Are you hosting a new event in the city? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684.