Walking into Telford International Centre for the very first Tattoo Freeze I was hit with the sound of dozens of buzzing needles creating tattoos.
Around 6,000 people filled the centre on Sunday, January 17, for what organisers are saying was the first convention of its kind.
Famous tattoo artists from the globe had journeyed to Telford to show off their skills and ink those lucky enough to have pre-booked a session with them.
The event saw Louis Molloy - David Beckham’s tattooist, Sweet Laraine – who is said to have journeyed to England for the first time for the convention, Leah Moule – who is from Birmingham and thought to be one of the best female tattooists in England, as well as tattooists from other countries including New Zealand, Italy and Greece.
Mr Molloy said he had only just got back into the country after he was away tattooing Beckham but he was not allowed to reveal the design of the new tattoo.
Mr Molloy said: “I have just flown back from Milan to be here. I was tattooing Beckham. I have been working on it for five hours. It is a big piece.”
He said he was enjoying his time in Telford.
“The convention has been great,” he said. “I have constantly been having my photograph taken. It is great, nice to come along.
“I can’t believe so many people have come here. It is good for the economy of Telford.
“It is good to see so many people and it is putting a positive spin on tattoos. A lot of people don’t like them and we are not asking people to like them we are just saying this is what we do.”
During the day Mr Molloy had been creating two large tattoos.
He said: “It is quite possible that I will come back to Telford next year. If I am invited back it is likely.”
During the day other forms of tattooing were taking place. This included ‘tapping’ which is a style described as a traditional mauri style of tattoo. There are not many people in the country who carry out the procedure and so it was a chance for visitors to take advantage of the skills.
Hundreds of people had been queuing to get into the event which saw around 850 pre-booked tickets and hundreds of others turning up on the day.
During the day there were also skateboard demonstrations and roller girls.
Custom vehicles were also parked up in the centre on display with fantastic designs inspired by the Matrix, Pirates of the Caribbean and Madagasca.
One such stand was Custom Bills who had built a bike to help raise money for Help the Heroes. They are now planning to tour the country with the bike to continue collecting cash.
Matthew Falcon-Scott, from Coustom Bills, said: “At the end of the tour we will auction the bike off. We are hoping to raise £1 million. It is a really good project.”
Art galleries and graffiti walls were displayed in the International Centre and there were also a range of stalls including clothing, jewellery and a tattoo removal stall.
People could also take advantage of a photographer to have their tattoos pictured and 
, had one taken of the large design on his back.
He said he was enjoying Tattoo Freeze.
“It is the first time I have been to a convention,” he said. “I wish I had brought some more money with me.”
He said his tattoo took two sessions for four hours to complete.
Traci Tipton, from Dawley, also enjoyed the event.
She said: “I thought it was really good. There was lots to do there and it was good seeing the different tattoo artists. It was really interesting and I have got some ideas for my next tattoo.
“I thought the convention was really, really good.”
Organisers of the show said they were only expecting around 3,000 people but double the amount turned up for the show.
Organisers of the show said they were only expecting around 3,000 people but double the amount turned up for the show.
Shelley Curry
“I’m pretty sure we will come here again next year.”
