Top artists at sixth annual Cape Tattoo Expo

The event organiser, Manuela Gray, said that attendees can expect an incredible visual display of tattoo artists from all over the world, as well as the best that South Africa has to offer. The tattoo booths are situated in various big open rooms in the City Hall and even if you do not book a tattoo, you will be able to see the masters doing their thing while they are working on their clients.

Gray said: "The idea of the expo is to provide the SA public with an environment where they can get tattooed by great artists of their choosing, but, as important, it's also a platform for tattoo artists to showcase their artistry, skill, and creativity in an open and social environment and for the SA public to see how varied and evolved the industry has become." There will also be an art exhibition with the theme "Victorian Oddities" that will open on Friday, 28 February and live bands in the Auditorium on Saturday night, 1 February.

Related events

There are also more exciting related events in the weeks leading up to the expo, including "Ride the Lightning", an art exhibition at House of Machine on Saturday, 8 February at 84 Short Market Street. Free entry. Starting at 7.30pm. Marvel at a display of custom-sprayed tattoo artwork on helmets. The group show by tattoo artists and illustrators will showcase their work on helmets and also third laser-cut wood helmets. Farryl Purkiss and DJ Rael will perform at the exhibition.

On Friday, 21 February there will be the Tattoo Expo Golf Day at the Metropolitan Golf Club at 4.30pm. R600 for a four-ball , nine hole. Players can book at az.oc.noitnevnocoottatnwotepac@airam. Only experienced golfers can take part. The event will be free to the public and the prize giving will happen after the game at the club house bar. There will also be an after party at House of Machines to round off the day.

Ticket sales for Cape Tattoo Expo 2014 will open on 5 February and will be available via www.quicket.co.za at R100 per day or R250 for a full weekend pass. Full weekend passes allow free entry to the live music at the City Hall Auditorium on the Saturday night. (Note that the day passes do not include access to the live music.) The ticket also does not include the price of tattoos. These can be booked with and paid to the artist directly. To book, go to www.capetattooconvention.co.za/artists and contact the particular artist. "Walk in" tattoos will also be welcome, if time and booking schedules allow. Doors open at 5pm on Friday and at 11am on Saturday and Sunday. Go to www.capetattooconvention.co.za for updates about attending artists, concerts, competitions, and info.

SixLove Events will also be hosting a "Tattoo-athon" in the next few months to raise money for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA. CHOC is a national organisation dedicated to providing assistance to children that are battling cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, and their families. CHOC was established in 1979 and has Divisions in: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. More info about CHOC at www.choc.org.za. CHOC will be at the Tattoo Expo to tell people more about their cause.

Join the Southern Ink Xposure and Cape Town International Tattoo Convention Facebook and Twitter groups for all the latest news about related events and artist info. Twitter: @CapeTattExpo | Facebook: www.facebook.com/capetattooexpo