Wednesday, 6 June 2007
The Fourth Annual International Ink & Iron Festival (3IF) will be rocking the Queen Mary June 8-10, and this year the popular festival is planning a unique way to leave its mark – by tattooing its host, the legendary Queen Mary ocean liner.
Well-known, local artist Mr. Scully has been commissioned to give the virgin Queen Mary her first tattoo. In homage to her colorful past, Trace Edwards, co-founder of Keen Entertainment explains, “The temporary tattoo is a twist on a classic - a heart with ‘Mom’ inscribed on a white banner representing the heroic efforts of the soldiers and the Queen in WWII. We continue to have a strong relationship with the Queen Mary and we are thrilled to take it a step further to pay tribute not only to the history of the ship but also the history and future of our partnership.”
The largest festival of its kind in the world, 3IF features the best talent in the international tattoo community with artists from 14 nations and 25 states, a highly anticipated music festival, custom culture car and rod show, as well as on-site tattooing by international artists, contests, burlesque shows and street performers.
Appealing to all ages and walks of life, the festival features something for everyone, including adult- and family-oriented activities, such as a French Ferris wheel and bumper cars. Complete with a 1900’s circus themed vendor village, the festival also features a big top classic circus tent. Under the big top, there is a custom bike exhibit as well as additional lifestyle vendors. The festival also offers VIP amenities, including a deluxe gaming lounge with full bars and seating. The Panhandler stage will feature performances by the renowned Vau de Vire Society, the first-annual Pin-Up Pageant and a variety of sideshow performers throughout the weekend.
The festival comprises one of the West Coast’s premiere showcases of up-and-coming talent across multiple genres of music including rockabilly, psychobilly, punk rock and rock n’ roll. The roster of artists includes Reverend Horton Heat, US Bombs and Mad Sin.
Last year’s sold-out event welcomed over 15,000 enthusiasts. The International Ink & Iron Festival continues to be more than a tattoo festival – the caliber of artists, performers and the diversity of exhibitions maintains its reputation to wow and impress an international audience.
