The annual three-day ‘Swingathon’ event in Allington, Lincolnshire is going ahead despite local concerns about their quiet village becoming the ‘swingers capital of England’
Thousands of people are set to descend on a sleepy British village this weekend – but they won’t be there to enjoy the charms of country life.
The annual ‘Swingathon’ event got underway in the village of Allington, near Grantham, Lincolnshire last night, attracting people from across the country for a three-day celebration of non-monogamous relationships Its organisers insist that the weekend is not a ‘sex festival’ but instead an ‘adult alternative lifestyle event’, offering an array of adult-themed entertainment including play tents, pole dancing performances, hot tubs, foam parties, mobile dungeons, and games. The estimated 1,000 attendees – who have the option of camping or paying extra for a glamping spot – are charged £210 each if arriving on their own, or £250 total as a couple.
But not everyone will be welcoming the hordes of swingers with open arms, as residents of Allington, a village with a population of just 7,900, have repeatedly voiced their grievances about noise and disruption caused by the event.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told Lincolnshire Live: “We’re becoming known as the swinger’s capital of England just because of this festival and that’s not a title we want. Its mostly elderly people and families here so you can imagine them spitting their tea out when they learned we were to be the home of Swingathon.
“It’s usually the talk of the village, some say let consenting adults do whatever they want to do, but I know many are not pleased they have chosen here for such activities. It’s just a bit seedy and sleazy isn’t it? Not for me I’m afraid.”
To deal with the local concerns, for its fifth year the festival has moved to a more secluded spot to accommodate its growing popularity and head off any noise complaints.
Organisers are keen to dispel some of negative perceptions about what goes on at the event, and Matthew Cole, organiser of Swingathon, said: “Contrary to some beliefs, there are no keys in bowls, seedy music, lecherous individuals or a high level of STIs amongst this community.
“In fact, individuals within this community are respectful, conscientious, and more likely to practise safe sex or be regularly tested than the average person you might meet on a night out in a club.
“The team are passionate about normalising the sexual freedom that alternative lifestyles provide and continue to strive against prejudice and adversity to bring the community a safe and inclusive social, play and learning space.”
Festivalgoers have already flocked to social media to share pictures and clips of their experiences, with many looking like they’re camping at any other festival, grilling bacon after a busy first night. Others have posted pictures and videos in their outfits, some of which leave little to the imagination.
Other posts from vendors show off their wares for sale, with an interesting array of spicy additions to the bedroom. In a question and answer on their social media, Swingathon explained that there is a “good mix of couples, single male and females”. They add that: “Every single person is checked and verified and has provided ID to ensure the safety of all festivalgoers.”
