Artist, Trader and Team Logistics
A huge thanks from us for being part of the second Great Western Tattoo Show. We have made improvements on year one and are 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 930. 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. You will need to inform the team member at check in which type of wristband you require. 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 26th July 2024 until 6pm.
Doors will close at 6pm on the Friday as we will all make our way to The Castle where we have put on a buffet for all artists, traders and our team. Details of the venue and nearest parking are on the map.
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.
Following feedback from 2023, 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 hope to have a WhatsApp booth order and delivery service running through the event for tea and coffee etc.
On Saturday evening we are taking over The Tuppenney, a bar 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 or general public access but there are a number of other venues nearby.
Although we have taken over the whole venue there is a limit on number of people that we can have so please ensure you have ‘booked’ – here
ACCESS
Drop off for setting up 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.
This is to improve control of access after issues in 2023.
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. 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, in artists booths 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
Full details of the competition are here. To enter the competition you must attend the team member based at the Printer Station (Location S4) in the morning of the day you wish to be judged. Once you have added your details to the entry form you will be issued with a numbered card. From 4pm each day you can start to send you tattoo to be judged. 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.
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 lift at S4 and then leave via the stairs.
Each judge will score your tattoo for different aspects and all scores will be combined for your tattoo. The highest score wins.
All winners will be announced on the Sunday evening.
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.
Complementary drinking water.
The Artist Support / Stencil area will contain –
First aid kits.
Spill kits.
Spare solidifier, waste bags, aprons, cloths, drinking water and cleaning spray.
1 x bluetooth thermal printer.
2 x thermal stencil copiers.
1 x Epson Eco Tank Stencil Printer and paper.
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 24 Event Management Plan is available here
The Artist and Piercer guidance document can be found here. This will also be available in each booth.
Please let us know if you are missing something or need something as soon as possible so we can get it sorted.
