Mantra 2005

July 9 & 10
Cheltenham, UK

In January at the Calgary convention, we met Paul. Paul told us about the event that he and his partner put on in the UK and asked if we would be interested in performing there this year. Of course, we jumped at the opportunity and a few months later we found ourselves at the Mantra Festival.

 

We booked a direct flight out of Houston, so on Thursday we drove down from Austin in order to get a flight that would put us into London early Friday morning (the joy of international travel). The drive was uneventful and clear but shortly before our scheduled departure the sky opened up and unleashed a powerful storm. As a result our departure was delayed nearly two hours. We made up some time in the air and the flight wasn't bad for being over nine hours long. Upon our arrival I got a lesson in UK geography - I didn't realize that Cheltenham was over 2 hours from London. Andy, our ride, picked us up and took us on the journey to the event.

The festival was held at a race course and stables with a beautiful view. We stayed on site at the Hunter's Lodge, a nice small european style hotel with great breakfast.  

   
   

The event was sizeable covering multiple rooms and floors plus an exterior area, but it was all well divided and easily navigated. Beyond the usual expectations one might have from a tattoo convention, Mantra was a bonafide festival with roaming entertainment, stage performances, and even rides and games. There were also artists from other mediums on hand showing their skills.

We were welcomed and the shows were very well recieved. I am very much looking forward to our next time working in the UK.