A major new international tattoo convention is coming to Aberdeen, with the inaugural Aberdeen Tattoo Summit officially announced for Saturday and Sunday October 30 and 31 2027 at P&J Live.
Set to become a significant addition to Scotland’s cultural events calendar, The Aberdeen Tattoo Summit will bring together internationally recognised, award-winning tattoo artists from across the UK, Europe and beyond for a spectacular Halloween weekend celebrating tattoo artistry, creativity and alternative culture.
With many artists already confirmed organisers are targeting a capacity of 250 working tattoo artists for the inaugural event, with projected visitor attendance of 2,000–3,000 people per day. Applications for tattoo artists and traders wishing to participate will officially open on Monday 2nd November 2026, alongside the launch of the event’s website.
The ambition is to establish one of the most exciting new international gatherings of its kind in the region.
Far more than a traditional tattoo convention, the Summit promises an immersive experience for artists, enthusiasts and the wider public.
Throughout the weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to watch exceptional tattoo artists working live, with artists competing across multiple tattoo categories for prestigious awards judged by respected figures from within the industry.
Beyond the tattooing, attendees can expect an extensive programme of live stage entertainment, performances throughout the venue, live graffiti walls, interactive experiences and a specially themed Bumbu Rum tiki bar, creating an atmosphere that celebrates art and individuality in all its forms.
The event has already attracted support from internationally recognised tattoo equipment brand Kwadron, alongside Grosvenor Casinos and Bumbu Rum, demonstrating early confidence in the Summit’s vision and potential.
An additional programme of specialist educational seminars is also being developed, covering tattooing, piercing, videography and barbering. These sessions will offer opportunities for professionals and aspiring creatives to learn techniques and gain insights from highly accomplished individuals in their respective industries. Further details will be announced in due course.
Built on passion, experience and a long-term vision
The Aberdeen Tattoo Summit was founded by Cameron Forbes, Marcin Andrzejewski and Craig Masson, three individuals united by their professional experience within the tattoo industry, their attendance at major international tattoo events and a shared appreciation for art, creativity and tattoo culture.
Having experienced some of the world’s leading conventions first-hand, the founders are determined to bring that same level of ambition, professionalism and excitement to Aberdeen.
Speaking collectively about the announcement, the founders said: “We’ve attended incredible tattoo conventions around the world, experienced the atmosphere, witnessed the level of artistry and seen how these events bring entire communities together. We believe Aberdeen deserves something of that calibre.
"Our vision is much bigger than organising a successful weekend. We want to establish an internationally respected event that artists are proud to attend, visitors look forward to every year and the city of Aberdeen can be proud to host.
"This isn’t a one-off event. We’re building something for the future — something that will grow, evolve and improve year after year. All three of us are putting everything we have into making this a success, and we genuinely cannot wait to welcome everyone in October 2027.”
Claire-Lena Miller-Davis, Senior Business Development Manager at the venue, said: “We are looking forward to hosting this incredible event – something new to Aberdeen that has the potential to become a flagship exhibition. The vision for this event is quite unique, and we look forward to seeing the reaction from artists and communities alike.”
Putting Aberdeen on the international stage
Beyond its cultural significance, organisers believe The Aberdeen Tattoo Summit has the potential to deliver considerable economic benefits to Aberdeen and the surrounding region.
With thousands of visitors anticipated across the weekend, including artists, industry professionals and supporters travelling from across the UK and internationally, the event is expected to generate additional demand for hotels, restaurants, transport and local businesses.
The founders hope the convention will further strengthen Aberdeen’s reputation as a city embracing creativity, culture and international events, while establishing valuable new connections between the North-east of Scotland and the global tattoo industry.
“Aberdeen has so much to offer, and we want this event to contribute to the city’s growing cultural identity. Bringing internationally recognised artists and thousands of visitors here creates opportunities that extend far beyond the convention itself.
"If we can build something that benefits local businesses, attracts international attention and gives people another reason to visit Aberdeen year after year, that’s something we can all be extremely proud of.”
Artist and trader applications, tickets and further information
The official Aberdeen Tattoo Summit website, Facebook and Instagram pages will launch on Monday 2nd November 2026, coinciding with the release of this announcement.
Applications for tattoo artists and traders wishing to work or exhibit at the inaugural event will open on the same day through the official website - https://www.theaberdeentattoosummit.co.uk . Artists and businesses interested in participating are encouraged to submit their applications for consideration, with the organising team reviewing submissions and responding individually.
Early bird visitor tickets will be released soon, with visitors encouraged to register their interest through the website’s waiting list to receive ticketing updates.
Over the coming months, the organisers will progressively reveal attending artists, international guests, ambassadors, competition judges, entertainment acts, brand partnerships and further exciting developments.
With an ambitious programme taking shape and a full year of announcements ahead, The Aberdeen Tattoo Summit is setting out to create a new annual destination for tattoo artistry and alternative culture.
The Aberdeen Tattoo Summit takes place on 30th and 31st October 2027 at P&J Live, Aberdeen, Scotland.