Hundreds of swingers descend on sleepy village for annual 'Swingathon' festival

A sleepy Lincolnshire village has become the focal point for Britain's largest swingers festival, with around one thousand adventurous attendees gathering in Allington, near Grantham, for this year's Swingathon.

The event, now in its fifth iteration, began yesterday and has drawn a crowd of open-minded individuals from all over the UK, eager to partake in the festivities.

For an entry fee of £200 for singles or £250 for couples, the Swingathon offers an array of adult-themed entertainment including play tents, pole dancing performances, hot tubs, foam parties, mobile dungeons, and cheeky games.

Moreover, visitors have the opportunity to purchase a variety of adult paraphernalia ranging from sex toys to BDSM gear, spanking paddles, and seductive lingerie at the festival's assorted stalls.

Despite previous complaints from local residents about disruptive noises emanating from the event, the three-day adult extravaganza has moved to a more secluded spot to accommodate its growing popularity, with organisers keen on dispelling any negative perceptions associated with the festival, reports the Daily Record.

Matthew Cole, the founder of Swingathon, which started in 2020, emphasises that the event is not just for traditional swingers but is an "adult alternative lifestyle event".

He explained: "Contrary to some beliefs, there are no keys in bowls, seedy music, lecherous individuals or a high level of STIs amongst this community."

Cole also highlighted the positive attributes of the attendees, stating: "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."

The festival claims to celebrate a wide spectrum of adult alternative lifestyles, encompassing LGBTQ+ identities, consensual non-monogamy, kink, and beyond.

The gathering will also showcase live music, DJs, workshops, demonstrations, stalls and games - all within a "safe, inclusive space" that "celebrates diversity."

Matt and his spouse Stacie maintain they remain dedicated to confronting stigma and have implemented measures to guarantee both safety and credibility.

They assert that participants are screened beforehand and the event maintains a "strong focus on consent and personal responsibility."

Matt explained: "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."

Nevertheless, some locals continue to object to having the "seedy" festival in their neighbourhood and insist it is unwelcome in their picturesque rural village.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, commented: "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."