Around one thousand kinky revellers have descended on a sleepy Lincolnshire village for Britain's biggest swingers festival taking place this weekend.

Swingathon kicked off yesterday (Thurs) in Allington, near Grantham, and is now in its fifth year of attracting hundreds of like-minded people from across the UK.

For £200 a single ticket or £250 a couples ticket, guests can experience play tents, pole dancing, hot tubs, foam parties, mobile dungeons and sex games like butt-plug bingo.

Visitors can also buy sex toys, whips and chains, BDSM bondage equipment, spanking paddles and racy lingerie from its various stalls.

The three day X-rated event has previously attracted criticism from nearby residents who complained about 'loud moaning sounds' coming from the site.

But it has since relocated to a larger, more rural location as numbers increased and organisers say they are committed to challenging the 'sleazy' stigma around the festival.

Matthew Cole, who started Swingathon in 2020, says it is not exclusive to traditional swingers and it is more an "adult alternative lifestyle event" "

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

"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 says it celebrates a broad range of adult alternative lifestyles, including LGBTQ+ identities, consensual non-monogamy, kink, and more.

The event with also feature

live music, DJs, workshops, demonstrations, stalls and games - all in a "safe, inclusive space" which "celebrates diversity."

Matt and his wife Stacie say they remain committed to challenging stigma and they have taken steps to ensure both safety and credibility.

They claim attendees are vetted in advance and 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."

However, some residents still oppose having the "seedy" festival on their doorsteps and say it is not welcome in their quaint rural hamlet."

One resident, who did not want 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."