21st Century Tattoo raise £3,400 with bee tattoos

Bee tattoo by 21st Century Tattoo

21st Century Tattoo and Piercing Studio in Rochdale centre has raised £3,400 for the victims and families of the tragic attack at Manchester Arena.

On a first come, first serve basis, artists Justin Welch and Todd Jones tattooed 68 Manchester bees in one day on Thursday (25 May) to raise the staggering amount.

They said: “Between you all, you've managed to raise £3,400.

“We are just absolutely stunned by your generosity.

“Thank you to everyone who came for being so patient, thank you to the people who also donated to Save Samantha, and the lady who brought us water and nibbles.

“Well done everyone, you're all awesome.”

The worker bee became a symbol of Manchester following the hard work and ‘hive of activity’ during the Industrial Revolution and represents the city’s innovative and enterprising past.

Bees can be found gracing various surfaces across Manchester from bins, lampposts and bollards to the floor tiles in Manchester Town Hall and in the city’s coat of arms, granted in 1842.

The fundraising appeal was started by Sam Barber, from Stalybridge, shortly after the suicide bombing at Manchester Arena left 22 people dead and 120 injured. The appeal, showing solidarity for the victims, has quickly spread nationwide.

Each bee costs £50 and all proceeds will be given to the Manchester Tattoo Appeal for those affected by the Manchester bombing.

21st Century has confirmed it will be holding another walk-in day of Manchester Bee tattoos on Monday 29 May between 9am and 5pm.