Thousands of body art fans attend Sydney tattoo festival

Thousands of body art fans attend Sydney tattoo festival

Thousands of inked-up body art fans descended on Sydney for the Rites of Passage tattoo festival on the weekend.

More than 250 tattoo artists around the world gave attendees new ink in hundreds of booths where businesses also sold other tattoo-related products.

The 10,000 patrons also watched 14 tattoo competitions over October 27-29, while nine women competed in the Miss Rites of Passage contest.

Entertainment also included live music, MX Freestyle action, a battle of the bands contest, and meals from local food trucks.

The event has been held in Melbourne for the past five years and added a Sydney leg for the first time this year, taking over the Royal Hall of Industries in Moore Park.

Organisers said the event was built on the core value of family, and allowing people to be themselves.

'Forget all ego and self-righteousness, and bring it back to what the meaning of 'tattooing' means for each and every one of us,' they said.

'It is an opportunity to share our own story, to wear our journey with pride and to connect to all like-minded people about an art form that has evolved long since the times of outlaw sailors.

'Tattoos are recognised around the world and they are here to stay (well, one would hope so, otherwise you got ripped off).'