A first-of-its-kind tattoo show is set to arrive in Swindon this weekend after it won a months-long battle to change council rules.

The Great Western Tattoo Show will be held at STEAM from Saturday, July 29 to Sunday, July 30.

It will showcase some of the best tattooists from around the UK with over 70 artists participating.

Swindon Advertiser: Tattooist Gary Watts is organising the event in Swindon.Tattooist Gary Watts is organising the event in Swindon. (Image: Gary Watts)

Organiser Gary Watts from Old Town owns Swindon tattoo shop Black Heart Ink and is looking forward to the event.

“We are over halfway to reaching full capacity which is fantastic news,” he said.

“Tattooing has grown in popularity over the last few years and people would have had to travel to Bristol if they wanted a convention.”

The planning of the event was frustrating for the 50-year-old, as a change in licensing policy was required from Swindon Borough Council.

Swindon Advertiser: The event will be hosted at Swindon's STEAM Museum.The event will be hosted at Swindon's STEAM Museum. (Image: Dave Cox)

The full license fee would have cost £218 for artists licensed elsewhere, but the unprecedented change allows them instead to pay for a £26 five-day licence instead.

“It is awesome that they managed to change this because it allows artists from afar to visit,” said Gary.

“I am excited to see them work as there is a lot of talent coming to Swindon.”

The event opens at 11am and closes at 6pm each day with £20 tickets per day available on the door.