Artist, Trader and Team Logistics
A huge thanks from us for being part of the Great Western Tattoo Show this year. We are constantly making improvements and trying out new things. Please let us know if anything isn’t quite right.
IMPORTANT – Vehicles can be brought to the venue entrance for unloading on Friday and Saturday until 0930. The access code for the barrier will be publicised on WhatsApp in the week before the event. All vehciles must be moved to the allocated (free) parking behind the National Trust HQ before 0930 each day and not be brought down until 1900 on the Saturday and Sunday.
Please attend check in (small hall, artist / trader entrance) prior to unloading. Here you will be checked in and issued the appropriate wristbands for the weekend. Entry will be not be permitted without a wristband.
Tattoo Artists – you will be issued an Artist Wristband and ONE extra wristband. This can be for a ‘helper’ or client. If you have a different client each day and you are using your Plus ONE for this you will need to return the previous band. Tickets must be purchased for all other entry. Entry prior to 10am for clients will only be permitted if they are using your ‘plus one’ wristband. If your client is attending as normal please ask them to let the team member know and they will be allowed first entry.
TIMINGS
Unless arranged in advance, set up is from Midday on Friday 25th July 2024 until 10pm.
Each year we provide a welcome buffet for all artists, traders, team and any (reasonable) entourage. This year (subject to final confirmation from the venue) we will be holding the event at the venue! Food will be in the marquee and the (paid) bar will be open. This means that load in time can be extended for all and we can all enjoy the amazing food from Danny and his team at Stockers. Access to the venue will be until 10pm so you can all get an early night for the next day.
The doors will open on Saturday and Sunday at 8 am for set up on the day and secured overnight. Anything left overnight is at your own risk. You must be set up by 10 am. No loading or unloading will be permitted between 10 am and 7pm each day unless restocking. The public opening hours are 10 am until 7 pm. 10 am until 11 am is for advance ticket holders only.
Stockers Street Food will be up and running from 8am on both days serving breakfast. Darkroom Espresso will also be operating at this time and they will have a WhatsApp booth order and delivery service running through the event for tea and coffee etc. Steve is ensuring his Espresso machine WILL be there and working this year! I can’t do a weekend without coffee again!!!
We are not holding an official afterparty on the Saturday (due to lack of attendance and other issues on previous years). We will, however, be meeting at The Hop Inn on Devizes Road in Old Town. This is an opportunity for a wind down, a few drinks and a catch up with convention colleagues. There are no live bands playing and there will be public access to the pub (although we will have private use of the room upstairs (to sit chill and chat). There are numerous pubs, clubs, take aways and restaurants nearby. Note this is The Hop Inn not The Little Hop two doors down.
ACCESS
Drop off for setting up is as follows –
Friday – midday until 6pm. Access will not be permitted before or after these times.
Saturday and Sunday – MUST be complete by 0930 am and vehicles moved to the car parking area.
Vehicles must not be brought up to the venue for breakdown before 7 pm.
The map below shows the location of car parks and routes to the venue. All vehicles must be parked in the car park a short walk from the venue after unloading unless essential stock is in the vehicle. Please note that the car park is behind the National Trust building NOT the Outlet Centre parking. You will be charged for parking there.
The National Trust Car park is open for entry until 10am and which time the entrance closes. The exit remains open.
Entry will not be permitted into the venue without wristbands. If you have lost your wristband please contact Gary as stewards will not be able to assist other than at registration.
Traders and caterers will be issued wristbands according to the details already provided.
Tattoo Artists and Piercers will be provided with 1 wristband for the artist and 1 additional wristband for an assistant etc. If your additional person is different on each day please return the wristband for exchange. If this is not possible then day ticket rates will apply.
Only Tattoo Artists and Skin Piercers that are registered in advance with GWTS can carry out the activities at the show. This includes all other practitioners from your studio even if they are on the same licence and/or insurance.
Access for set up on the Friday will be permitted across the ‘yard’ which will be covered by a marquee. However, all access from Saturday morning will be through a sign posted door as marked on the plan. Exit and entrance past the food vendors will not be permitted unless in an emergency.
DOCUMENTS
No attendee will be permitted to trade or tattoo etc if we have not received a valid PLI and any other documentation required for your business (Temporary or Permanent Licence for Tattooists). Refunds will not be given.
All attendees should make themselves aware of the contents of the GWTS Event Management Plan.
Due to the usual heightened interest from Swindon Borough Council Tattoo Artists and Piercers will be required to follow specific guidance. We have worked hard to ensure this is as close to your normal daily routine as possible.
The additional guidance for Tattoo Artists and Skin Piercers can be found in the Event Management Plan and here.
STAND LOCATION
Below is a plan of the venue (not to scale) and a spreadsheet showing your location. If we have made a mistake or missed communication from you, changes can be made, other requests may be accepted.
TATTOO COMPETITION
We will be the 3rd convention in 2025 to use the TattScore system for judging. Full details of the competition are here. To enter the competition you must enter online before midday of the day you wish to be judged. The registration link will be sent out via WhatsApp, available on QR codes and by asking at Artist Support over the weekend. Once the registration deadline has arrived you will be issued with a numbered card at your booth.
From 4pm each day you can begin to attend Artist Support with your client. Here we will take photos of your entry number, tattoo and a lovely posed picture of you and your client. You must then leave your client to ascend the stairs alone to the judging balcony. Your client will attend the judging without the artist (alone) unless mobility is an issue (please speak to us beforehand) and will need to be in possession of the numbered card. They will access the judging area via the stairs and then leave via the lift.
Don’t worry if you are not ready at 4pm, there is no order. Our team will attend your booth to remind you, starting with the smaller entries. If your entry is not ready they will return at an agreed time prior to 6pm.
Each judge will score your tattoo independently using the TattScore system. The highest score wins. The judges will not discuss the tattoo prior to giving a score unless there is a tie. In the event of a tie the judges will choose the winner between them.
In the event a single tattoo doesn’t pass the threshold score set by the organisers, in a particular category, there will be no award made. This ensures all award winners are genuinely deserving.
Judging is not public but will be live streamed on YouTube and on the screens in the main hall.
Competition winners will be announced on Saturday or Sunday according to the category. This will take place at 630pm on the stage in the marquee.
Good luck!
SUPPORT
We are hoping to make this event as smooth for you as possible. Please feedback any issues as soon as possible and we will aim to sort them.
All traders will be provided with tables, chairs and power outlets as requested.
Unless specifically requested all Tattoo Artists and Piercers will be provided with the following –
A booth area no smaller than 2m x 2m.
A trestle table 1.8m wide
An exam type table for working from.
A standard chair and covering.
Hygienic floor covering.
Aftercare advice leaflets.
13amp socket (please bring a suitable extension lead for your intended needs).
Cleaning spray and red cloths for single use on furniture.
Liquid solidifing powder.
Yellow offensive waste bag.
General waste bag.
Sharps disposal box.
A table talker printed either side with ‘Walk Ups Available’ and ‘Fully Booked’ and an online consent form QR code.
Disposable aprons.
The Artist Support / Stencil area will contain –
First aid kits.
Spill kits.
Spare solidifier, waste bags, aprons, cloths and cleaning spray.
2 x bluetooth thermal printers.
2 x thermal stencil copiers.
1 x printer and paper.
1 x scanner printer and paper.
Hand wash sinks are provided at locations as marked. If you find a problem with these facilities please report it immediately.
The GWTS Event Management Plan will be available soon.
The Artist and Piercer guidance document can be found here.
Please let us know if you are missing something or need something as soon as possible so we can get it sorted.
