Swingathon boss lifts the lid on England's notorious ‘sex festival'
Deep in England's Lincolnshire countryside, there's a gathering in the sleepy town of Allington that only those 'in the know' dare to visit.
Dubbed by The Sun 's sex writer as 'Glastonbury with orgies and Love Island -style beauties,' Swingathon, now in its fifth year, isn't your typical festival.
But speaking to news.com.au 's In the Newsroom podcast, its organiser, Matt Cole, insists it still has elements of a standard festival.
'It's got live music and entertainment, but it's for people in the lifestyle,' Mr Cole told the podcast.
For those not familiar with 'the lifestyle', swinging involves people from all walks of life – LGBTQIA+, queer, couples, and anyone willing to explore non-monogamy.
The three-day event held last weekend marked its biggest turnout yet, with nearly 1000 revellers descending on the small town – which was more than the entire local population.
But despite its fun ethos, the event drew serious complaints last year from nearby residents who claimed they heard loud, hours-long 'moaning' sounds coming from the campgrounds.
Mr Cole insists that this was only half true.
'Yes, we had (moaning), but the complaints are basically a lie. We are three miles (4.8km) from the nearest village, so if anyone can scream that loud … that's a scream,' he laughed.
He believes that much of the negative press comes from locals disagreeing with the festival's premise.
The event is mainly made up of couples, with a two-person ticket setting you back around $470 AUD and singles around $400.
This year, there were around 100 single men and 50-60 single women in attendance.
In terms of the age bracket, the average age is 37, which is much younger than many would expect.
'The youngest that we let in was 21 and the oldest guy was 69,' he shared.
So what actually goes on behind the gates?
By day, the festival – which sees people rock up in anything from their birthday suits, lingerie and fancy dress – hosts lots of different events.
'We have a UV party, a social night, workshops, live talks, and demonstrations,' Mr Cole explains.
But they're not just standard demonstrations.
'Some of them might be like flogging, wax play or rope play,' he says. 'Or pole dancing, burlesque classes and massage classes'.
There are also hot tubs, sex games, foam parties, and mobile dungeons.
Butt plug bingo is one of the more interesting events, which is bingo with a cheeky twist to it (you win the adult-themed toy at the end).
In terms of the actual swinging, there are sanctioned tents where people can go if they're interested in exploring some adult fun.
'It's all controlled,' Mr Cole explains. 'There's group tents, then there's voyeur tents – all sorts of tents for everybody'.
But before you think it's all debauchery, Mr Cole says that many don't even go for that reason.
Many simply attend for the liberating, body positivity aspect.
'They just go to be around like-minded people,' he says. 'It's not what people think. You don't just turn up and start swinging. A lot of friendships get made, and people leave with so much more confidence than when they started.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Sacked Oasis drummer wants reunion with Noel Gallagher
Sacked Oasis drummer Tony McCarroll wants to make amends with Noel Gallagher. Tony, 54 – who was a founding member of the band – was sacked by Noel, 58, after the release of the band's debut album Definitely Maybe because he annoyed the singer/songwriter by having a loud argument in the hotel room next door. According to The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column, Tony said at a fan event at Red Studios in North Shields: 'Would I sit down and have a cup of tea, a Rich Tea, with Noel, and go, 'What the f*** happened, mate?' I would. 'There was an incident in Paris. I was next door to Noel's hotel room, which I didn't know. 'I had an argument with some girl I was with and the next day we were doing the soundcheck. 'I just finished my bit, and he turned around and, in front of everybody, he went, 'You f****** keep me awake again, you're getting f****** sacked, mate'. 'Probably the most stupid thing I've ever done in my life, but I fronted him and said, 'You won't f****** speak to me like that again, no chance'. It was only a matter of weeks later I got the P45. 'What sort of man would it make me if I didn't [stand up to him]? Everybody was under threat every day, but it was just bravado. I never saw it being something serious like losing your position in the band.' Tony and Noel have not spoken since Noel kicked him out of the band but he has nothing but good things to say about the band's singer, and Noel's brother, Liam. He said: 'Everyone thinks Liam's a nutcase, but he's a shockingly nice guy. A lot of that stuff is bravado. It might be nervousness, something about him where he just can't deal with whatever it is, people in his face.'
News.com.au
13 hours ago
- News.com.au
What Michael Jackson's Neverland looks like now
It was the sprawling estate Michael Jackson called a 'dream', named after a fictional island where Peter Pan lives. Since the music icon's death in 2009, many have wondered what has happened to his former home, Neverland. Over the years, the property has undergone significant changes. 'Big allure': Secret MJ homes reveal sad life What happened to Michael Jackson's Neverland? Jackson purchased the property, originally named Zaca Laderas Ranch, and later known as Sycamore Valley, in 1988. He had discovered the property after Beatle Paul McCartney had stayed there while they were making the music video for smash hit 'Say, Say, Say'. The King of Pop renamed the estate Neverland, a nod to Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. The musician splashed $US35 million ($A53 million) transforming the estate into a Disney-style amusement park, installing a train station, merry-go-round, arcade and ferris wheel. The property also had a zoo filled with tigers, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, orangutans and a bear. Neverland included a 1200 sqm residence, 50-seat movie theatre building, guest quarters, barn and a pool house. The six-bedroom, nine-bathroom home spans a massive 1170 sqm and features an expansive master suite with private loft and two master bedrooms, as well as three separate guest homes. Other luxurious features include two fireplaces, a butler's pantry, spa bath, sauna, and breathtaking mountain views. It is also a short 8km drive to the nearest town, and two hours from LA. Jackson resided at Neverland until 2005. After he was acquitted of child sex charges, he moved out of Neverland and relocated to Bahrain. He transferred the property to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC in 2008 to cover debts he had run up. In 2015, the estate was renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch and put on the market for $US100 million ($A128 million). Who purchased the Neverland estate? After five years and numerous price cuts, the sprawling property finally found a buyer. Billionaire and friend of the late pop star Ron Burkle purchased the 2700-acre (1092Ha) estate for $US22 million ($A28 million). A spokesperson who had also served as Jackson's financial adviser told The New York Times that Burkle had viewed the home as an investment. There was initial speculation that the Neverland estate would be memorialised in Jackson's memory, much like Elvis Presley's Graceland home, but was placed on the market in 2016. The house was originally listed for $US100 million ($A128 million). and dropped to $US67million ($A102 million) the following year, The Sun reports. Renovations finally began after over a decade in 2021, and supervising planner, Errin Briggs, told SF Gate in February 2022: 'Our staff has been out to the site multiple times for about the last four to six months. 'We don't yet have any permit requests for new structures, but they've pulled permits for roofing, existing structures, electrical — pretty minor stuff, but we can confirm work is being done.' Burkle made his fortune by flipping large estates including the house used in the 1982 film, Blade Runner, in 2011. He purchased the property for $US4.5million ($A6.9 million) and in 2019 it sold for a whopping $US18million ($A27 million). Transformation of crumbling Neverland Ranch Back in 2023, photos emerged showing the transformation of Neverland Ranch as the on-property rides were resurrected. At the time, it appeared Burkle was resurrecting pieces of the property – including some of the aforementioned attractions. While the property reportedly fell into chaos after Jackson sold it, it appeared that work had been done to restore the grounds. The photos showed fairground stands that appear to have been reinstalled, along with a playground of sorts and teepees. A new attraction called 'Hook's Revenge', featuring a broken pirate ship with Captain Hook and his rival crocodile. The petting zoo that was formerly onsite also appeared to have been reinstated and the train station and train tracks have remained intact. Giant swimming pools that were previously drained appear to be refilled as well. Neverland featured in upcoming biopic Last year, the Neverland theme park was brought back to life for an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. Fairground rides appear to have been repainted and the lush landscaping restored at the private amusement complex. Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson plays the late King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua's 'Michael,' slated for release in April 2026.
Courier-Mail
14 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Batman and Rambo star dies aged 60 after being pulled from sea and collapsing on beach
Don't miss out on the headlines from Celebrity Life. Followed categories will be added to My News. Alon Aboutboul, an Israeli actor who starred in The Dark Knight Rises and Rambo III, has died aged 60. The star was found dead on HaBonim Beach in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Tuesday morning after collapsing in front of tourists following a morning swim, according to local news. Aboutboul played Dr Pavel in the final instalment of Christopher Nolan's epic Batman trilogy. Pavel was a Russian nuclear physicist who the fearsome Bane was after and eventually kidnapped from a CIA plane during the thrilling open scene, per The Sun. Aboutboul at the Snowfall premiere in LA in 2018. Picture:As Dr Pavel in The Dark Knight Rises. Bane, played by Tom Hardy, prepares to jump out of the jet holding Pavel and delivers the memorable line: 'Calm down, doctor. Now is not the time for fear. That comes later'. Aboutboul also played a soldier in Steven Spielberg's Munich – the 2005 telling of how Mossad struck back following the 1972 Olympics massacre. The actor had more recently starred in 25 episodes of the hit TV show Snowfall alongside F1 star Damson Idris. He tragically died after collapsing on the beach. Picture:He had also appeared in Body of Lies, NCIS Los Angeles, SVU and Homeland. Israeli culture and sport minister Miki Zohar posted a tribute to Aboutboul on X saying it was 'deeply painful' to hear the news of his death. 'Last night I watched an interview with him, where he talked about filming a movie he recently participated in, and the passion for the profession that radiated from him was evident even after so many years in the field. 'Alon was an Ophir Award and Television Academy Award winner and over the years portrayed a wide range of characters to which he brought depth and emotion, leaving a deep mark on Israeli culture. May his memory be blessed.' He is survived by a wife and four children. HaBonim is considered to be one of the most rugged and beautiful beaches in Israel and part of the strip is a nature reserve. This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission. Originally published as Batman and Rambo star dies aged 60 after being pulled from sea and collapsing on beach
