THE Bournemouth Tattoo Convention celebrates its fourth birthday this weekend with lashings of colour and a bit of pain. The two-day event brings together some of the finest tattooists in the world, as well as an entertainment line-up of top local bands and performance artists.

If you assumed that one tattooist was the same as another, you would be wrong. It’s a world of styles and techniques and if you are looking for a tattoo, it’s worth paying a visit to the O2 Academy Bournemouth.

The Tattooists appearing this year are from as far afield as Japan as well as some of the most high profile UK and European artists. Attendees from all over the UK and beyond will be making the trip to Bournemouth for the event.

To drown out the buzzing tattoo guns and yelps of agony there will be a specially chosen music line-up from the best of local talent, which will be spread across two stages. The Main Stage and the Gallery Bar Acoustic Stage. Throughout the weekend you can catch many former 24SEVEN local bands of the week including Harpin’ On, Evolver or the Latino Reggae vibes of Pachango. In total there will be 25 bands and acoustic musicians for all tastes.

Visitors that want a less permanent memento are also catered for with a carefully selected collection of traders in original and unique fashion items and accessories. This year the traders offer retro dresses and unique items from the culture and lifestyle of the tattoo scene. One of the entertainment highlights of last year’s convention were The Fuel Girls. The flamboyant act is back, alongside special appearances from the amazing performers of Black Fire. Also on the bill is the return of aerial artists Teta, Jade and Naomi, sword dancing and tribal dance from Leah Debrincat and exciting percussion from Grandmaster Ash.

• For more information please visit bournemouthtattooconvention.com or o2academybournemouth.co.uk