The peaceful village of Allington, nestled 40 miles southeast of London, buzzed with excitement as the Swingathon festival returned for another year of celebration. Talk about some “Group Fun,” yes, pun intended.
The four-day event, which kicked off on Thursday, welcomed over 1,000 attendees eager to enjoy a weekend of freedom, fun, and connection in a safe, inclusive environment.
Organiser Kerry Voellner described the festival as a vibrant space for people of diverse lifestyles to come together. “We provide a social and safe environment where people can meet others who share similar interests. This year’s festival is bigger, better, and bolder, with an array of exciting activities,” Voellner said. The festival’s offerings include fire breathers, pole dancers, acrobats, and workshops, all designed to enhance the inclusive experience.
Swingathon also boasts a significant LGBT space and a range of holistic activities, adding to its reputation as a welcoming event for everyone. From foam parties and hot tubs to mobile dungeons and unique games like butt-plug bingo, the festival ensures there’s something for every adventurous spirit.
While Swingathon continues to gain popularity, some locals have voiced concerns over the event’s impact on their quiet village. Noise complaints have been a point of contention in previous years, but this year, organisers have made significant efforts to work closely with local officials and address these issues.
“We’ve had our challenges in the past, but it’s great to see local officials engaging with us and even offering advice on how we can make the event even better for next year,” co-organiser Matthew Cole shared. “We’re grateful for the support and have put a lot of effort into ensuring everything runs smoothly.”
Despite some initial reservations, this year’s event has seen record ticket sales, with many attendees more than happy to pay £265 for the chance to be part of this unique experience. “We’re thrilled with the turnout,” Cole added. “The community’s involvement this year shows a shift in perception, and we’re excited to continue growing Swingathon as a positive celebration of alternative lifestyles.”
As Swingathon continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the importance of creating spaces where people can express themselves freely and joyfully. With each year, the festival further solidifies its place as one of the UK’s most distinctive and inclusive events, celebrating diversity and the freedom to live authentically. It also further solidifies the UK as a prime destination for swingers and open relationship enthusiasts.
Charles Lace is a distinguished UK-based writer, born in 1975 in Brighton, who has become a prominent voice in the open relationship and swinger communities. His passion for exploring and documenting alternative lifestyles, particularly in the UK, has made him a well-known figure in these circles.
After studying Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, Lace began his career as a freelance journalist for London newspapers. In his late 20s, he found his niche writing about non-monogamous relationships and the swinger lifestyle. His breakthrough came in 2005 with the publication of “Open Hearts, Open Doors: An Introduction to Ethical Non-Monogamy,” which became an unexpected bestseller in its niche.
Known for his frank yet sensitive approach, Lace’s writing style combines personal anecdotes with well-researched information and expert interviews. He regularly contributes to various swinger publications, most notably through his column in “Lifestyle Horizons,” a popular UK-based magazine for the swinger and polyamorous communities.