Tattooists have gathered for a convention to celebrate the inky artform.

The Brighton Tattoo Convention (BTC) descended on the Hilton Brighton Metropole hotel yesterday.

For the first time since its conception in 2008, the event is being held over three days, continuing all the way through to finish in the early hours of Monday.

Tattooing, competitions, performances, seminars, workshops, and gallery shows will all take place across the weekend.

The founder and curator of the BTC, who goes by the name of Woody, said: “It’s exciting to have so many artists from around the world tattooing all three days.

“Having the extra afternoon will allow the artists more time to work on larger pieces, and to get tattooed themselves.

“The convention was inspired by the iconic tattoo gatherings that I’ve been a part of, such as the early years of London Tattoo Convention in Brick Lane, the legendary Dunstable tattoo shows and The Mad Hatters Tattoo Convention in Portland, Maine, US, 25 years ago.

"I’ve strived to take the very best elements of these shows and make them a part of our Brighton event.

“In the end, the goal is to hold a tattoo convention for the true lovers of tattooing.”

This year’s event includes more than 350 world-class artists from 16 countries as far afield as Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Croatia, Poland, Italy, Greece and the US.

However, organisers have said there will be a particular focus on new talent from within the UK.

With so many artists, organisers are confident dedicated tattoo fans can find their perfect design.

Live music from The Meteors opened the show last night and today will see The Sex Pistols Experience along with King Salami and The Cumberland Three perform.

Staff at footwear store, Dr Martens, in Prince Albert Street, Brighton, will also be raffling off five special edition items, with all money going to the domestic abuse charity RISE.