HIVE tattoo convention returns to Clonmel this weekend as two-day event
The Honey Ink Valley Expo convention will take place at Hillview Sports Club in Clonmel this Saturday and Sunday
The Honey Ink Valley Expo tattoo convention showcasing the creativity of the country's exponents of this form of body art returns to Clonmel's Hillview Sports Club this weekend.
The success of the inaugural one-day HIVE convention at the same venue last August has prompted the organisers to add an extra day to this year's event that takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7.
Mayor of Clonmel Cllr Pat English will officially open the convention that will feature about 30 tattoo artists from throughout Ireland and around the world at work creating tattoos and competing in competitions.
HIVE Convention founder and chief organiser Black Samsara said the convention will have a family friendly focus with a lot of fun activities for children, live music and food carts.
She invited the public to come along to the expo to see the creativity of the participating tattoo artists and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Black Samsara is a native of Poland living in Clonmel and owns the InkSmith Tattoo Studio on the town's O'Connell Street.
She says organising the convention is her way of saying thank you to the people of Clonmel for the support they have shown her and her business since she opened it eight years ago.
She explains the convention is a non-profit event and its name is inspired by the Irish name for Clonmel, Cluain Meala, which means Valley of the Honey.
In the weeks leading up to the convention, the organisers have been running the Golden Bee Scavenger Hunt where participants explore Clonmel in search of the golden bee through a series of word and photo-based clues, drawing attention to the town's local landmarks and hidden gems.
The competitions for tattoo artists will take place at the end of each day of the convention
“It will be a wonderful opportunity for visitors to witness exceptional work up close, speak directly with professionals from the industry, and even get tattooed on the day,” she said She stressed that in the spirit of fair play artists from her studio are excluded from the competitions.“Beyond tattooing, HIVE is an event for everyone. We will be hosting creative workshops where visitors of all ages can explore art and self-expression in a hands-on and welcoming environment.
“Local DJ sets and live musical performances will fill the venue with energy throughout both days, complemented by a fire performance, face painting, and a bouncy castle for younger visitors.
“Local Muay Thai school Courage Muay Thai will also be on site delivering a demonstration and workshop, and a selection of food trucks will be serving ice cream, coffee, pizza, and more.“We are delighted to welcome charitable organisations to this year's event as well. Family Carers Ireland and Husky Rescue Ireland will both have stands on site, giving visitors the chance to learn about their vital work and connect with people doing important things in our communities.”
Black Samsara points out the HIVE convention is supported by Tipperary County Council and Clonmel Credit Union.
“We are also delighted to be collaborating once again with a local garden centre, whose beautiful floral displays will bring an extra touch of colour and warmth to the venue, weaving nature into the creative atmosphere of the weekend.”
The Mayor of Clonmel will officially open the HIVE Expo at 11am on Saturday and the event will continue until 8.30pm that day. It will run from 10am until 7.30pm on Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased online via the HIVE26 Honey Ink Valley Tattoo Convention Clonmel Facebook page.