Staff at the Black Craft Custom Tattoo Studios in Wakefield, who have been doing bee designs to raise money for people affected by the Manchester terror attack

Published:11:10Friday 02 June 2017

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Tattoo artists are helping raise money for victims of the Manchester terror attack.

Dragon Tattoo Studios and Black Craft Custom Tattoo Studios, based in the city centre, are giving customers bee design tattoos as part of a solidarity movement following the atrocity at Manchester Arena on May 22.

Each bee design costs £50 with the proceeds going to the Manchester Tattoo Appeal to support families of those killed or injured in the bomb attack.

Danny Jones, tattooist at Dragon Tattoo Studios, which are the longest-established tattoo artists in Wakefield, said: “Tattoo parlours do events for charities all the time, but this is the first time tattooists across the country have all taken part in the same event.”

Danny has been taking appointments throughout his working day and has even opened out of hours to tattoo the bees.

He said: “I feel pretty proud that I’ve been able to contribute to and take part in the event. I did 22 bees in three days and a morning.

“My sister Emma was with me while I was doing the bee tattoos and offered people teas or coffees. One client said ‘Danny does the bees and Emma does the teas!’”

The tattooists at Black Craft also worked out of hours on Bank Holiday Monday.

Tattoo artist Craig Wilson said: “I was surprised, there were lots of people who came who didn’t actually have any other tattoos - I thought it was quite a nice gesture.

“We started at 10.30am but we saw queues outside the shop from 9.45am. We raised £1,080 in five hours, and we’ve done 25 people so far.”

Tattoo parlours around Manchester launched the appeal shortly after the attack, which left 22 people dead and dozens more injured.

They aimed to tattoo as many bees - a symbol of Manchester - as possible as a lasting symbol of the city’s courage, strength and defiance, while raising money for the families affected by the tragedy.

Tattoo parlours across the country have joined in the appeal, with more than £200,000 now raised.

The appeal has officially ended, but Black Craft are still taking requests for charity bee tattoos. Contact them on 07944 846334.