Maidstone Tattoo Extravaganza 2019

Walking through the doors of Kent County Showground at 11 ‘o’clock in the morning, the last thing I was expecting to be greeted by were fire breathers and over a hundred of the county's best tattoo artists ready and waiting for a new client- but Maidstone Tattoo Extravaganza had this and more.

The sheer amount of artwork from the artists and ink fans attending the event was in clear abundance, and the smell of temptation to get tattooed as soon as possible was in the air. The artists in attendance worked in a number of different styles, from black and white to colour and with styles like traditional, new school, realism and Japanese – there was really something for any tattoo fans to get their teeth into.

The convention hall housed not only tattooists from around Kent and the surrounding areas, but also piercers, food stalls, traders and entertainers. The most extravagant of these being Kitty Devereux and Megan McKenzie who took to the stage to showcase their fire breathing and dancing performance. Both girls were in black leather and chains, and with their act set to alternative classics and hard rock tunes, the entertainment literally lit up the room.

The Ovines, a Sittingbourne-based ska/punk/indie band then created a perfect vibe to the event with their set of original and cover songs, such as Psycho Killer by Talking Heads being a big crowd pleaser.

Speaking to Frontman Matt Adams, 23 from Sittingbourne: "It was exciting to play a good stage and there was a lot of effort put into the music. We've got a lot of wicked comments.”

“I went to the one last year and this one seems bigger and better.”

“I think this is our favourite gig yet!"

Now You See Me tattoo parlour and their station.

The Ovines rocking out on stage.

The atmosphere began building in the early hours of the morning.

This year is set to be the Maidstone Tattoo Extravaganza's biggest and best.

Some of the merchandise available at the event.