Thousands of swingers have descended upon a quiet UK village this weekend. The event, called Swingathon, started on Thursday in Allington, near Grantham in Lincolnshire. Single tickets cost £200, and admission for a couple £250. Activities include lay tents, pole dancing, hot tubs, foam parties, mobile dungeons and sex games, such as butt-plug bingo. Sex toys, whips and chains, BDSM bondage equipment, spanking paddles and racy lingerie are also available to purchase at an array of stalls.
Swingathon has sparked complaints from residents in the past, who report hearing “loud moaning sounds” coming from where the various pursuits take place, and so it has been relocated to a larger, more rural location as its popularity increased. The event is not exclusively tailored to traditional swingers, however, and is branded as more of an “adult alternative lifestyle event”, attracting those with LGBTQ+ identities, and people into consensual non-monogamy, kink and more, its organiser has emphasised.
Matthew Cole, who started Swingathon in 2020, said: “Contrary to some beliefs, there are no keys in bowls, seedy music, lecherous individuals or a high level of STIs amongst this community.”
He added: “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 Daily Star reports.
“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.”
The gathering also includes live music, DJs, workshops, demonstrations, stalls and games, which are all in a “safe, inclusive space” that “celebrates diversity”.
Steps have also been taken to ensure both safety and credibility, Matt and his wife Stacie said, and those that come along are vetted in advance.
In addition, the event has a “strong focus on consent and personal responsibility”.
Matt added: “Swingathon is not a sex party, but rather a gathering of open-minded individuals where friendships and relationships can begin or thrive.
“It aims to bring together a community with an inclusive positive experience, where friendships and relationships begin, rekindle and flourish through the embracement of uniqueness, regardless of the rumour mill.”
But some locals are not thrilled about having the Swingathon hosted in their village.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “We’re becoming known as the swingers 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.”