This November, New Plymouth will play host to the New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival, which is set to be the biggest and boldest of its kind in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival, promoted by Oni Events and presented by Kentucky State Bourbon and Cola, will showcase some of the top international and local tattoo artists and expose the public to the history, art and culture of tattooing.

The weekend long event - Saturday 27 and Sunday 28, November - will be held at New Plymouth's TSB Stadium.

"We're excited to be presenting a festival of this calibre, some of the most talented and diverse artists from all corners of the globe will be appearing alongside New Zealand's own premiere talent," said Brent Taylor, of Oni Events.

Former Auckland tattoo artist Dan Smith, now working at the famous Kat Von D's High Voltage Tattoo in Los Angeles, is one of 50 international guests attending the festival. Smith who is infamously renown for inking Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy) and Steve Jones (Sex Pistols) shot to stardom on 'LA Ink' - the hit TV show which screens on Discovery, Travel and Living channels around the world. "I'm definitely very excited to come home to be a part of the New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival," said Smith. "There are so many amazing artists both local and overseas attending and I think it's great for New Plymouth and New Zealand - I can't wait to get there!"

Other festival highlights include world-renowned Ta Moko (Maori tattoo) specialist Rangi Kipa; Dean Sacred from Sacred Tattoo, Mick Squires from Melbourne, Lara Scotton from Trafficanti D 'Arti , Italy, Dave Simmons from Poland, Tebori master Horitsuna (a traditional Japanese hand tattooist), John Montgomery from California, Sabado from Eccentric Super Tattoo in Japan and Chris 51 from Area 51 Tattoo in the USA.

With over 130 artists confirmed, the bi-annual festival is set to become a permanent fixture on the international tattoo and art calendar. Along with tattooing, the festival will feature live music by Shotgun Alley, Devilskin, Leeches and World War Four; aerial artist Venus Star and burlesque performer Eva Strangelove plus art exhibitions, and more.