NZ Tattoo Festival to hit the CBD

Organisers of Australasia’s largest tattoo festival are taking the event to the streets.

In its seventh year, the New Zealand Tattoo and Art Festival will return to New Plymouth this month for a weekend filled with entertainment and about 300 international tattooists ready to put their stamp on punters’ bodies.

But this year the popular event, which draws a crowd of thousands, has been extended with a ‘‘taster’’ of the festival being held in the CBD prior to the convention.

Organiser Brent Taylor said he had teamed up with the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and Crowded House Bar and Cafe to present Taste of the NZ Tattoo and Art Festival, on Thursday, November 23.

‘‘It will be a little bit of an insight into what’s at the event,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s definitely going to create a bit of a buzz.’’

Part of Devon St East will be shut off for the evening to hold the family-friendly event.

People will be treated to a free sample of the festival highlights, including live music from Tiki Taane, and Auckland rock band Skinny Hobos.

Three freestyle BMX shows will also feature at the event and FMX world champion Levi Sherwood will sign posters.

London fire dancer Cervena Fox will bring some heat to the street party and some stars from American reality competition television series, Ink Masters, will be in attendance.

Taylor said there would also be pop-up events held at New Plymouth’s Huatoki Plaza in the build-up to the weekend.

‘‘The council want me to, in the lead up to the event, just kind of bring the city to life a bit and create a little bit of energy.’’

Planning for the main event, which runs November 25 and 26, is well underway with more than 2000 tickets already sold.