There are summer events, and then there are summer events where you can roll two tiny pigs and end up with a tattoo.
On Sunday 19 July 2026, cult-classic game Pass the Pigs is taking over Parliament Tattoo in Finsbury Park for its first official Flash Tattoo Day. Running from 12pm to 6pm, the one-day London event will celebrate the much-loved game with exclusive pig-inspired tattoo designs, walk-in appointments, nostalgic giveaways and a suitably strange game-of-chance twist.
First launched in 1977, Pass the Pigs has become one of those rare pocket-sized games that seems to follow people through life: family holidays, pub tables, Christmas afternoons, student flats and kitchen drawers. Instead of dice, players roll two miniature pigs, scoring points depending on how they land. The Razorback, Snouter, Leaning Jowler and almost mythical Double Leaning Jowler have all become part of the game’s odd little language.
Nearly 50 years later, the pigs are getting a more permanent tribute.
For the London flash tattoo event, seven tattoo artists will each create their own set of Pass the Pigs-inspired flash designs. Each artist will bring a different style to the famous pigs, with the designs available exclusively on the day.
Fans can pre-book a favourite flash piece in advance, or take their chances with the event’s “Roll the Pigs” experience. Roll a pair of Pass the Pigs and, depending on how they land, receive a matching minimalist linework tattoo inspired by that position. It is part tattoo appointment, part game, part dare — and probably one of the more unusual things happening in London this summer.
Those getting tattooed will also receive a selection of Pass the Pigs goodies, subject to availability, including a classic or inflatable edition of the game, a Pass the Pigs keyring and a can of the limited-edition Pass the Pigs Session IPA, brewed in collaboration with Farmyard Brew Co.
The event taps into the game’s long-running cult appeal, especially among fans who have already taken their love of Pass the Pigs to tattoo-level commitment. Hannah Cunningham from Pass the Pigs said the team regularly sees fans sharing their Pass the Pigs tattoos online, and wanted to create an official event that celebrated that passion.
“The game has become a real cult classic over the last five decades and we regularly see fans sharing their Pass the Pigs tattoos on social media,” she said. “We wanted to celebrate that passion by creating an official flash tattoo day, giving people the chance to get inked with exclusive designs inspired by a game they’ve grown up loving. Whether you pick your favourite flash piece or leave it to chance with a roll of the pigs, it’s the perfect way to celebrate one of Britain’s most iconic games.”
All revenue from tattoo appointments will go directly to the participating tattoo artists, supporting London’s creative community as part of the event.
Whether you are a board game obsessive, a tattoo collector, a nostalgia hunter or simply someone looking for a properly offbeat London event, Pass the Pigs Flash Tattoo Day should make for a memorable afternoon.
Pass the Pigs Flash Tattoo Day
Date: Sunday 19 July 2026
Time: 12pm–6pm
Location: Parliament Tattoo, Finsbury Park, London N4 3RF
Pre-booked appointments and walk-ins will be available throughout the day, subject to availability.
Follow Pass the Pigs on Instagram and TikTok at @officialpassthepigs.
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