Latest news with #kink
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
A thousand revellers descend on sleepy Lincolnshire village for Britain's biggest swingers' festival - featuring 'play' and 'kink' areas, hot tubs and foam parties
Around one thousand kinky revellers have descended on a sleepy Lincolnshire village for Britain's biggest swingers festival taking place this weekend. Dubbed Swingathon, the X-rated three-day extravaganza kicked off yesterday and is now in its fifth year of attracting sexually adventurous guests from across the UK. Set in the middle of sleepy farmland near Grantham, this year's edition promises more risqué fun than ever before. For £200 a single ticket – or £250 per couple – attendees are treated to a raunchy line-up of saucy entertainment, including mobile dungeons, pole dancing, BDSM equipment stalls, and steamy hot tubs. Among the more eyebrow-raising activities on offer are spanking paddles for sale, kinky workshops, lingerie boutiques, foam parties and a game of butt-plug bingo. There's also a strong presence of kink culture, with dedicated 'play tents' and a focus on everything from bondage to consensual non-monogamy. Stalls selling sex toys, whips, chains and other NSFW gear line the grounds, as well as giant words written on the ground saying 'kink', 'play' and 'love'. The 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.'
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
UK company launches swingers' sex cruise to four popular destinations – but there's a strict dress code
ADVENTUROUS swingers have been invited on a sex cruise to four popular destinations - but there's a strict dress code. The Killing Kittens brand has created an unbelievably kinky holiday opportunity for both singles and couples - are you ready to explore? 5 5 5 The UK based company holds spicy events for those looking to explore all their wildest sexual desires. Those who sign-up to the pleasure experience will travel to Barcelona Monte Carlo, Florence and Portofino. Naughty events on-board will range from a White Party to a mysterious masquerade ball. There's also a sensual Kreatures of the Night primal evening to heighten all senses, and a Dominion party where playmates can show off their latex outfits. Killing Kittens' most established experience, fittingly named Hedonism, will also be unfolding. There are more regular activities too such as cooking classes, wine and whiskey tastings, yoga and a running club. Meanwhile, those looking to delve deeper into enrichening their knowledge can partake in sex and relationship workshops. There are also light hearted sexual-themed quiz nights and couples speed dating. However, there are strict rules to follow should you venture onto the open sea with your fellow kink-positive guests. Killing Kittens has three primary values - privacy, confidentiality and discretion. Georgie answers your sex questions - Tips for tiny Peckers Discretion entails complete confidentiality, meaning ticket-holders can't revealed anyone's identity. You must also be honest about your relationships, both past and present. Another core rule is "no solo men in playrooms", to ensure the safety of women on the cruise. There are no single men allowed on board at all, only single women or women in partnerships are permitted. 5 5 Guests must also sign consent forms once they embark on the journey. Founder Emma Sayle told Metro: "Obviously it's consent, consent, consent, and everything is based on respect and being a decent human being." DRESS CODE Despite the open-minded and relaxed atmosphere, there's certain do's and don'ts when it comes to clothing. But, if you can't wrap your head around the rules, there are spaces on board where it's permitted to be completely naked. The guidelines come into force for events, where Emma warned: "You'll need to adhere to the dress code depending on the theme of the night. "The White party is self explanatory – it's all white; the masked ball is black tie and ball gowns with masks; kreatures of the night is woodland, goddesses, nymphs – a chance to play real dress up. "Hedonism is beach club wear in the day, and in the night Dominion is latex and leather." The cruise sets sail on June 9, 2026, and lasts for six sex-fuelled nights. Swingers interested in signing up will have to fork out at least £5,000. However, it's an all inclusive trip which means you won't have to shell out for any food or drink. This comes as we revealed some of the raciest places to travel around the world, including the many luxury resorts where clothes are always optional. Cap D'Agde, located in France, is the biggest nudist town in the world, where it's compulsory to bare it all on the beach - and it has been dubbed Naked City for this very reason. In the French town, which gets up to 50,000 tourists a day, you'll see everyone going about their business, walking around naked in the shops, having forked out £6 for a 'naked tax'. Elsewhere, The Naughty Cruise, which travelled from Los Angeles to Mexico, made waves when it promised four days of sex-fuelled parties for 2,000 revellers. Entertainment around the ship, which was organised by Couples Cruise in 2017, included everything from outrageous fancy dress parties - where guests were encouraged to dress as kinky as possible - to naked body paint, kinky sex instruments and nudity at all times. There was even a tantra centre where couples could learn about the art of sensual touch, as well as massage classes and "group sessions" which allowed more amorous couples to explore their boundaries and have fun with others. Another couples-only cruise where 'clothing is optional' is called Desire Cruise, which regularly sets sail from Venice, attracting a mix of 700 nudists, swingers and the curious. Guests can take part in tantric yoga, talks from sexologists and sex games. Plus, Hedonism Resort describes itself as the 'world's most iconic, clothing-optional, adult playground and the sexiest place on earth where you can be as mild or as wild as you like!' Located in Jamaica, the stunning resort is an all-inclusive paradise, where the drinks are flowing and guests 'can turn their fantasies into reality'. As well as the usual all-you-can-eat buffets and all-you-can-drink bars you'd find in an all-inclusive resort, Hedonism also has a playroom open 10pm to 3am. In here, couples, single women and invited single men will be greeted by a Playroom Hostess, and expected to participate, rather than watch. BACK ON TOP By Sam Blanchard, Health Correspondent KINKY sex relieves the pain of a bad back or arthritis, research suggests. Those with a taste for whips and handcuffs in the bedroom reported health benefits as well as sexual enjoyment in the study. Many said they experienced short-term relief from chronic pain after a session with a Miss Whiplash. It is said to be down to the simultaneous release of stress hormones in response to the pain and the feelgood hormone dopamine during a bondage session — known as BDSM. Researcher Reni Forer said: 'Many BDSM practitioners experience benefits beyond sexual pleasure. Given the overlap in brain circuitry involved, BDSM could unknowingly result in pain relief for people with chronic pain.' Up to half of us are believed to live with long-term aches and pains from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia or long-term injuries. The study, from the University of Michigan in the US, involved 525 people into BDSM, short for bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism. Four in ten of them also suffered from chronic pain, defined as lasting longer than three months. In the study, 35 per cent said they felt pain relief after a kinky romp. A similar proportion said it helped to increase their pain tolerance and their ability to talk about their condition or cope with it emotionally. Ms Forer said: 'Participation can also benefit other aspects of one's life, including trauma processing, decreased psychological distress and higher wellbeing.' A recent Australian study found nine out of ten back pain remedies were no good, with no proof there was any benefit from steroids, paracetamol, acupuncture, heat or massage.
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
My boyfriend is almost perfect – but he's too vanilla in bed
I'm a woman in my early 30s, and after dating my male partner for seven months I've become frustrated by his vanilla and mundane sexual preferences. This makes me feel bad about myself, because he is perfect in all other ways. Not only are we intellectually compatible and share many interests, but he is also kind, caring and romantic. He makes sure I never leave for work without a healthy packed lunch and is full of fun ideas for our outings. He makes me feel safe and secure. I had an unstable childhood and am not on speaking terms with my father. With my boyfriend, I am able to open up about this. In the past, I dated difficult and unreliable men with whom I could nonetheless indulge in kinky sex, role-playing and other experimentation – and I always loved that part of the relationship. When I try to initiate this with him, he rejects it; he once said he finds it degrading to women. Sometimes I fantasise about having sex with more adventurous partners, but I can't stand the thought of losing such a wonderful partner with whom I can build a future. Endowing a partner with fatherly attributes is a fairly certain way to dampen eroticism. This process is often an unconscious one – as it undoubtedly is in your case – but when a relationship feels familial at some level, whether mother-child, brotherly, sisterly or fatherly, the deep-seated incest taboo renders sexual contact distasteful. Many relationships fall into such patterns, and this is particularly understandable when adults have emerged from unresolved traumatic childhood patterns such as longing for an unavailable parent, or being a survivor of familial abuse. The task of developing a relationship into a healthy, fully adult union is rarely easy, because people tend to gravitate towards what the 'child' part of them needs. Think carefully about the father-daughter dynamic within your relationship and, if you want to desire him, experiment with identifying and changing overly familial aspects that remind you of unrequited childhood needs. Make your own lunch. Pamela Stephenson Connolly is a US-based psychotherapist who specialises in treating sexual disorders. If you would like advice from Pamela on sexual matters, send us a brief description of your concerns to (please don't send attachments). Each week, Pamela chooses one problem to answer, which will be published online. She regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence. Submissions are subject to our terms and conditions.
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
My boyfriend is almost perfect – but he's too vanilla in bed
I'm a woman in my early 30s, and after dating my male partner for seven months I've become frustrated by his vanilla and mundane sexual preferences. This makes me feel bad about myself, because he is perfect in all other ways. Not only are we intellectually compatible and share many interests, but he is also kind, caring and romantic. He makes sure I never leave for work without a healthy packed lunch and is full of fun ideas for our outings. He makes me feel safe and secure. I had an unstable childhood and am not on speaking terms with my father. With my boyfriend, I am able to open up about this. In the past, I dated difficult and unreliable men with whom I could nonetheless indulge in kinky sex, role-playing and other experimentation – and I always loved that part of the relationship. When I try to initiate this with him, he rejects it; he once said he finds it degrading to women. Sometimes I fantasise about having sex with more adventurous partners, but I can't stand the thought of losing such a wonderful partner with whom I can build a future. Endowing a partner with fatherly attributes is a fairly certain way to dampen eroticism. This process is often an unconscious one – as it undoubtedly is in your case – but when a relationship feels familial at some level, whether mother-child, brotherly, sisterly or fatherly, the deep-seated incest taboo renders sexual contact distasteful. Many relationships fall into such patterns, and this is particularly understandable when adults have emerged from unresolved traumatic childhood patterns such as longing for an unavailable parent, or being a survivor of familial abuse. The task of developing a relationship into a healthy, fully adult union is rarely easy, because people tend to gravitate towards what the 'child' part of them needs. Think carefully about the father-daughter dynamic within your relationship and, if you want to desire him, experiment with identifying and changing overly familial aspects that remind you of unrequited childhood needs. Make your own lunch. Pamela Stephenson Connolly is a US-based psychotherapist who specialises in treating sexual disorders. If you would like advice from Pamela on sexual matters, send us a brief description of your concerns to (please don't send attachments). Each week, Pamela chooses one problem to answer, which will be published online. She regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence. Submissions are subject to our terms and conditions.
Telegraph
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Britain is kinkier in bed than you think
Many moons ago, when I was editor of Erotic Review, my S&M columnist – a former BBC children's TV presenter – told me her idea of nirvana was to don fetish gear and get soundly thrashed. I said, 'Forget the pain, I'm all about the pleasure.' She chided me: 'You're so vanilla!' I remain an unrepentant sybarite, so I approached curator Anastasiia Fedorova's book Second Skin: Inside the Worlds of Fetish, Kink and Deviant Desire, about the British fetish scene, with the curiosity of a dungeon tourist. There's plenty of perverse pastimes to wrap your head around here: leather, latex, fetish clubs, not to mention the key roles of dominatrix and gimp (mute sub in identity-obscuring mask). Fedorova traces her own inclination for the fetish scene to her Russian upbringing during the 1990s, when fake designer garments started to flood the black market. The badly-embroidered Medusa head on her mother's knock-off Versace trousers became symbolic of the lust for a Western life: 'In its own way my childhood provided me with an intense crash course on capitalism and its power to elevate quotidian consumer objects into fetishes.' Even so, Fedorova didn't start to explore the fetish realm until the start of lockdown in London (where she's now based). Starved of human touch, she became fascinated by kinksters, unable to go out, posting social-media photos of themselves wearing latex garments at home: 'People of all genders, from all corners of the world, showed off limbs transformed by glossy rubber skins on their sofas and beds.' She relished the element of performance in all this; the taboo element appealed to her too, as a queer-identifying woman – a verboten identity in Putin's Russia. As Fedorova points out, such metamorphoses don't come cheap. Her first catsuit sets her back £257 (the Matrix model, from London-based Libidex), and she road-tests it at an anonymous hotel. She excels at sensual writing: 'We went slowly: two latex-clad cyborgian beings moving around one another in a careful choreography… I thought of all the blood and electricity running through his body under the latex.' Second Skin interweaves vivid personal experience and interviews with fascinating historical research. Few will be surprised to learn that the UK's fetish culture finds its roots in Charles Macintosh's 1823 patent for his latex and cloth raincoat, leading to an early fetish known as 'macking' – hence the expression 'dirty mac'. It was only much later that a London-based Mackintosh Society, founded in 1967 by Leon Chead, became 'one of the world's first fetish organisations'. I'm taking this snippet on trust: Google, for instance, seems to have no record of Chead. But I'd imagine that much of the material Fedorova examined at the UK Leather and Fetish Archive, in London's Bishopsgate, isn't readily available online, and with good reason. The kink scene has long provoked close interest from the police. Fedorova reminds us of Operation Spanner, which saw 16 gay men prosecuted in the 1980s for private, consensual sadomasochistic acts, on the grounds that the acts involved 'actual bodily harm'. I was also glad to be reminded of John Sutcliffe, who trained as an aircraft engineer and served in the RAF while harbouring a fetish for rubber and leather. In 1957 he set up Atomage in Hampstead, a company manufacturing rubber and leather motorcycle gear 'for lady pillion riders'. He was responsible for Marianne Faithfull 's leather catsuit in the 1968 film The Girl on a Motorcycle. He went on to set up Atomage magazine in 1972, publishing photos of his customers posing in middle-class homes and 'manicured' gardens, dressed head-to-toe in bondage gear. This very British incarnation of private perversity came to an end in 1982 when Sutcliffe published Jim Dickson's erotic novel The Story of Gerda. He was prosecuted for obscenity; his back stock of magazines and printing plates were destroyed. He died not long afterwards. For all these historical diversions, the balance of Fedorova's book tilts in favour of today's fetish realm, with particular reference to LGBTQ+ practitioners and other marginalised communities. 'Rubber,' she writes, 'allows one to channel a creature devoid of gender or social attributes.' Maybe: but latex also allows some fetishists to emphasise breasts, bottoms and genitals to cartoonish proportions. There's rather too much exposition of far-from-groundbreaking contemporary art for this reader's taste, and some lines can read like captions in a Hoxton gallery patronised only by Gen Y and Z: 'Pleasure is key to traversing that space between language and sensation, between identity and change.' I also enjoyed: 'One must resist idealising a homogenous vision of the leather community.' Must one? But then people in their 20s and 30s are surely the intended audience. Fedorova's cultural references tend to be recent: the TV series Industry, fashionistas such as Isamaya Ffrench, Instagram influencers such as dominatrix Eva Oh. Everyone's pronouns seem to be 'them/they', and the author occasionally ties herself in moral knots, as when she discusses Tom O Finland's more 'problematic' illustrations from the 1950s and '60s – so famous his homoerotic images appeared on a set of Finnish stamps in 2014 – which frequently fetishise police and military uniform. I may not be the reader Fedorova envisioned, being 57 and possessed of the desire to laugh at life's absurdity – sex included. Often, for us in Britain, life is a comedy, but for Russians, all too understandably, it's a tragedy: and Fedorova convincingly makes the link between her own heritage, a lifelong struggle with anxiety and gradual immersion in the fetish world. The following passage, where the author disrobes from her catsuit, is almost unbearably moving: '[Latex] helps you to transcend the restlessness and sadness which comes with having flesh, blood and skin. Sometimes, after the pressure is released and the catsuit is at your feet in a sweaty pile, it feels like grief.' That, I could imagine.
