'It's great, it's very festive': tattoo convention returns to Winnipeg
The return of conventions to Manitoba continues, as the Winnipeg Tattoo Convention brought skin art enthusiasts from around the world to the Red River Exhibition Park this weekend.
Event coordinator Rich Handford was excited to be back after a two-year absence, "It is exhilarating! Tattoos are iconic images that speak to everyone in one way or another," he said. "After two years of pretty severe provincial regulations, it's wonderful to be back and hosting all of these smiling faces."
More than 200 tattoo artists were at the event, 70 of them from Manitoba. Handford says some artists traveled from as far away as England and Spain to attend. "We have some of the best men and women working in tattooing today at this show," he said.
Tattoo artist Safwan was there with four members of his crew representing Imago, a Montreal-based tattoo shop. He says it's great to be back at a convention after two years of health restrictions.
"It was devastating for a lot of people, we're still standing, luckily there's still shows happening like this one, but yeah it was a tough one for everybody," he said.
The convention ran for a few hours Friday evening, all day Saturday until 11:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Other attractions included live music and a beer garden, as well as motorcycles and classic cars.
Safwan says tattoo conventions are an integral part of his business. "We connect with our peers, connect with the general public in a way that you can't do in a shop. It's great, it's very festive," he said.
"It's a chance for us to get back together as an industry and show what we can do."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.