A sleepy town was invaded by foam, fetish tents, and moaning tents—here's why locals are fuming (and blushing)
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Kinky revellers have taken over a quiet English village—and the neighbours aren't thrilled.
Locals say they’ve heard things they can’t un-hear.
And now, their sleepy hamlet has gained a reputation that many never asked for.
The village of Allington, located two hours north of London, became ground zero for the UK's largest swingers festival over the weekend, as more than 1000 people attended the annual event known as Swingathon.
That’s more than the entire population of the town, which boasts just 897 residents.
The three-day adult gathering featured foam parties, mobile dungeons, pole dancing, frisk play tents, and sex-themed games.
But while festivalgoers embraced the celebration of sexual freedom, many locals were far from pleased.
‘We’re becoming known as the swingers capital of England just because of this festival and that’s not a title we want,’ one anonymous resident told Southwest News Service.
‘It’s 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,’ they added. ‘It’s just a bit seedy and sleazy isn’t it? Not for me I’m afraid.’
Swingathon, which first launched in 2020, has reportedly grown bigger each year—along with complaints from villagers disturbed by ‘loud moaning and screaming sounds’ coming from the event site.
One user commented on a social media post promoting the festival: ‘God forbid a fella wants some peace and quiet in his lil’ town.’
Festival organiser Matthew Cole pushed back on the backlash, defending the event as safe, respectful and far from the stereotypes people may imagine.
‘Contrary to some beliefs, there are no keys in bowls, seedy music, lecherous individuals or a high level of STIs among this community,’ he said.
‘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,’ he added.
‘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.’
Tickets for the event cost around $250 USD ($A385) and included DJs, workshops, live music and demonstrations, all set in what organisers described as a ‘safe, inclusive space’ that ‘celebrates diversity’.
The event has also been described as a ‘play party on steroids’.
Comments from curious and cheeky onlookers lit up social media, with one writing: ‘Disgusting. Where can I sign up?’ and another calling it a ‘sexstival if you will’.
One commenter joked: ‘How many CEOs are “out of town working” this week?’
If you thought the UK’s Swingathon stirred the pot, wait until you see what’s happening closer to home.
One controversial venue is raising eyebrows and voices in a quiet neighbourhood after opening its doors to a very adult crowd.
Here’s how another community is grappling with unexpected noise, privacy concerns, and a clash of values.
Read more: Swinging into controversy: New Aussie ‘playground’ sparks neighbourhood uproar
Would you be fine with your town becoming the centre of attention for something like this?
Locals say they’ve heard things they can’t un-hear.
And now, their sleepy hamlet has gained a reputation that many never asked for.
The village of Allington, located two hours north of London, became ground zero for the UK's largest swingers festival over the weekend, as more than 1000 people attended the annual event known as Swingathon.
That’s more than the entire population of the town, which boasts just 897 residents.
The three-day adult gathering featured foam parties, mobile dungeons, pole dancing, frisk play tents, and sex-themed games.
UK’s biggest swingers fest hits tiny town. Image source: Instagram/swingathon.uk
But while festivalgoers embraced the celebration of sexual freedom, many locals were far from pleased.
‘We’re becoming known as the swingers capital of England just because of this festival and that’s not a title we want,’ one anonymous resident told Southwest News Service.
‘It’s 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,’ they added. ‘It’s just a bit seedy and sleazy isn’t it? Not for me I’m afraid.’
Swingathon, which first launched in 2020, has reportedly grown bigger each year—along with complaints from villagers disturbed by ‘loud moaning and screaming sounds’ coming from the event site.
One user commented on a social media post promoting the festival: ‘God forbid a fella wants some peace and quiet in his lil’ town.’
Festival organiser Matthew Cole pushed back on the backlash, defending the event as safe, respectful and far from the stereotypes people may imagine.
‘Contrary to some beliefs, there are no keys in bowls, seedy music, lecherous individuals or a high level of STIs among this community,’ he said.
‘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,’ he added.
‘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.’
Tickets for the event cost around $250 USD ($A385) and included DJs, workshops, live music and demonstrations, all set in what organisers described as a ‘safe, inclusive space’ that ‘celebrates diversity’.
The event has also been described as a ‘play party on steroids’.
Comments from curious and cheeky onlookers lit up social media, with one writing: ‘Disgusting. Where can I sign up?’ and another calling it a ‘sexstival if you will’.
One commenter joked: ‘How many CEOs are “out of town working” this week?’
If you thought the UK’s Swingathon stirred the pot, wait until you see what’s happening closer to home.
One controversial venue is raising eyebrows and voices in a quiet neighbourhood after opening its doors to a very adult crowd.
Here’s how another community is grappling with unexpected noise, privacy concerns, and a clash of values.
Read more: Swinging into controversy: New Aussie ‘playground’ sparks neighbourhood uproar
Would you be fine with your town becoming the centre of attention for something like this?
