The Leeds International Tattoo Expo announces huge return this year - dates and tickets
Leeds is set to get a little more colourful this summer as the First Direct Bank Arena welcomes back the Leeds International Tattoo Expo (LITE) for its 11th annual celebration.
Taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, the expo is promising its biggest and boldest weekend yet, whether you’re looking to finish a sleeve or are just curious about the culture.
Since moving to the arena after its early years at the Leeds United Centenary Pavilion, the event has evolved from a local convention into an international powerhouse, and 2026 is promising to be the biggest and boldest edition to date.
LITE 2026 is set to bring together hundreds of the world’s finest tattoo artists. For local enthusiasts, it’s a rare chance to see international heavyweights working alongside the best of Leeds' homegrown talent.
Expect to see every style imaginable, from the fine details of Blackwork and Fine Line to the bold pops of Neo-traditional and Realism. Many artists will be taking pre-booked appointments, while others will offer walk-up flash designs for those feeling spontaneous on the day.
If you aren't quite ready for the needle just yet, there is still plenty to experience beyond the buzzing of the tattoo machines.
The arena is set to be transformed into a vibrant festival space, headlined by a hand-picked boutique market. Here, visitors can browse a curated selection of alternative fashion, unique jewellery, and even taxidermy, alongside original artwork from over 80 independent traders.
The entertainment schedule is equally packed, offering a full programme of live acts and interactive performances that run throughout the entire weekend, including the firm fan-favourite return for 2026 of the 5th Leeds Beard Competition.
This lively event invites the city's finest to take to the stage, celebrating beards of all shapes and sizes in a light-hearted battle for facial-hair supremacy.
For those who want to see the masters at work, the live tattoo competitions are a must-watch. Held on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, these high-stakes sessions see artists go head-to-head under the spotlight.
A panel of judges will evaluate the best work created during the expo across multiple categories, culminating in the prestigious "Best of Show" awards—a perfect spectacle for anyone who appreciates the precision and creativity of modern body art.
When can I get tickets to attend the Leeds International Tattoo Expo 2026?
Tickets to this year’s expo are already on sale and can be bought directly from the First Direct Bank Arena website.
Day tickets start at £18, with full weekend passes available for £27.00.
This event is an all-ages expo, and children under 14 will be allowed to enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Looking for other events coming to the First Direct Bank Arena in 2026? Check out our guide to some of the biggest shows to come to the venue in Leeds over the next 12 months.