Tattoo studio to transform into grotto

A TATTOO artist is to transform his studio into a magical Christmas grotto.

O’neill’s Tattoo Studio will be given a festive makeover with a tree, decorations, presents and projectors beaming snowflakes on to the walls.

Santa Claus will put in an appearance at the one-day only event on Monday, December 19, at Tudor Court in Bulwell.

The shop will be closed for the day so it can be decked out in style. Outside is already a wonderland, with a giant inflatable Santa and snowman, garlands and lights.

Owner Stephen O’neill, 43, won’t make any money out of the event.

He said: “I have wanted to do a Santa’s grotto for years but with Covid and the rising cost of living it’s been difficult. But this is the year to do it.”

Fifty tickets, costing £4, will be available for children to receive a goodie box with sweets and small toys from Santa or they can have a free photo. Free treats of muffins, Eccles cakes and flapjacks will be handed out to parents from 4pm to 6pm.

Father Christmas will be on walkabout around the market and posing for photos.

“I’m a bit nervous. Even the wind blowing in the right direction for the snow machine – it’s all important,” said Stephen. “It’s taken a long time to get all the bits together. We’re doing it for the kids and to help out in the area. It’s a way of showing our appreciation for the business that Bulwell has given us for the last six-and-a-half years. “Next year we want to go bigger if this is a success. We want to make it a real big thing.”