HORNY swingers or healthy fun? ‘Fabulous’ senior writer Donna Smiley, 43, lets everyone hang out at the nudie festival to find out why naturism is booming in the UK.
Throwing my hands in the air on a packed dance floor, I sing at the top of my lungs to the 70s YMCA classic.
5
Donna Smiley goes to a naked festival to find out why naturism is booming in the UKCredit: @thenakedtruth_uk
5
Revelers flash their moves on the dance floor Credit: @thenakedtruth_uk
I’m not at a night club or a house party though – I’m at a strip club and, with no thong to protect my modesty, I’m completely disgusted.
Around me, tits of all shapes and sizes bounce to the beat of the music.
It sounds like one of those nightmares where you look down at an important event and realize to your horror that you are naked.
But I’m actually at the EveryBody Festival, a British naturism initiative that celebrates all things naked.
Held annually in a beautiful, secluded forest in Dorset, the festival has been running for two years and is part of British naturism’s action-packed calendar of nudist events across the UK.
For four nights, its daily activities range from yoga, gong baths and swimming, to a nightly disco and acoustic music tent for up to 500 of Britain’s 6.75 million naturists (and growing).
When I shared my plans with friends, reactions turned to “are you crazy?” end of the spectrum.
One friend told me that I should definitely keep my pants on so strangers wouldn’t see my genitalia, while another asked me if I was worried that people might be having sex all around me.
I actually felt relaxed about what I signed up for – topless sunbathing on holiday and the occasional skinny dip.
However, as the train pulls into the station and I pick up my small bag containing three pairs of pants, a towel and some toiletries, my nerves start to fray.
I’m a Nudist Grandma – Orgasm is the Fountain of Youth, but the ‘Basic Elixir’ Will Slow the Aging Process_Instagram_andrea__sunshinee
Should I just take my dress off upon arrival?
Are briefs okay if I don’t feel quite ready for everything?
After leaving my bag in my glamping tent, I walk to the fire in the dress I arrived in, where I find a group of naked people of all ages talking.
A couple in their 20s explains that they attended the event last year and had such a good time that they decided to come again.
My wife tells me that she attends naturist events because she feels at ease in her own body and is less judged than when she wears clothes.
Everywhere I look, I see Willy
Donna
Soon I will be able to see exactly what she means.
No one looks down or down on anyone, or judges their body – everyone seems too caught up in the euphoria of being naked themselves.
This is followed by a welcome quiz in a closed bar.
So far, about half of the 200 participants are completely naked, and with men outnumbering women about 10 to one, everywhere I look, there’s Willy.
I head to the bar, order and quickly drink two double gin and tonics for courage.
Over the next hour, more and more people begin to take off their clothes.
When the woman in my quiz team, Rachel*, 43, a civil servant, takes off her top, I tell myself to just wear it and step out of the dress, leaving my panties on.
5
Donna enjoys a soothing sound bath Credit: @thenakedtruth_uk
A handful of others, all women, also kept their shorts or pants on.
I expect people to stare, but no one even notices, which is incredibly liberating.
After the quiz we all went to the dance floor.
I’m amazed at how natural it feels to be surrounded by jerky bits and bare asses and feel overwhelmed by the pleasure of the moment.
‘I feel safe even though there are naked men everywhere’
The next day I walk around the festival – still in just my pants – and watch people play dodgeball, sunbathe and do yoga in the buff.
Just as I’m thinking about how healthy it all is – and how unfair it is that naturism is labeled for its sleazy, sexual overtones – two 40-something couples I met at a disco approach me.
“I knew you were a swinger,” says one of the women to my shock.
It turns out that my towel, which I bring with me to lay in the sun, has upside down pineapples on it and, unbeknownst to me, that’s a sign used in the swinging community to indicate that you’re ready for it. .
Who knew?
Couples are very understanding when I break the news that I’m not actually there to swing and say they’re surprised the atmosphere isn’t more sexually charged – like me, they’re nudist festival virgins.
5
Modeling clay in the buff Credit: @thenakedtruth_uk
In fact, there are strict rules to ensure people’s safety.
General photography is not permitted and there is a 24/7 Safe Space tent.
READ MORE REAL LIFE STORIES
That one shock aside, I feel completely safe even though I’m sleeping alone in a tent, in a dark forest surrounded by naked men.
Mostly in their 50s and 60s, they are far more interested in talking about their children, jobs and sharing food and drink.
Over lunch, I speak to Helen Berriman, 49, chief executive of British Naturists for Women, who hit the headlines after appearing top-naked on Good Morning Britain last May, and asks why there are so many more men than women.
“It’s a work in progress,” she says.
“Traditionally, women have been concerned about objectification or being too self-conscious about revealing their bodies.”
But that is changing.
She explains that she has started running women-only events, including naturist retreats, which are so popular they are already sold out for next year.
‘I realize my bikini bottom has come off the side and is gone’
Meanwhile, content creators Nick and Lins, who travel the world documenting their lives as naturists and have 80,000 YouTube followers (follow them @n_wanderings), tell me they started posting to dispel the myth that it’s all middle-aged white guys.
“I like it. It’s a simple way of life. You don’t have to think about anything but where your towel is,” says Lins.
As the weekend progresses, I tend to see her POV.
The finale of my trip is a visit to Splashdown Waterpark in Poole, 20 minutes’ drive from the campsite, which is reserved for a major British naturist event.
5
Donna takes a cheeky ride down the rapids Credit: @thenakedtruth_uk
I slide down into the rubber ring and start a lazy river ride, but when I feel a splash of cold water on my cheeks, I realize that my bikini bottom has come off the side and is gone.
For the first time since I arrived, I am completely naked.
“My pants are gone!” I shout to the man next to me.
We both burst out laughing as he replied, “You don’t need them, do you?”
A woman who rushed past told me that she had handed them over to the lifeguard.
“Damn it,” I say, “it’s time to go all the way!”
Don’t knock it until you try it
Donna
Part of me can’t believe I’m doing this, another part of me thinks it’s brilliant.
Boarding the train home, I feel sad to leave the non-judgmental atmosphere. No one asked me what I do, if I’m married, where I live or if I have children – and that’s a refreshing change.
Being around so many different bodies boosted my confidence and gave me insight into why naturism is such a growing trend.
What is naturism?
Naturism, also known as nudism, is a cultural and lifestyle movement that advocates and practices social nudity in private and public spaces.
The philosophy behind naturism emphasizes harmony with nature, self-respect, respect for others and a sense of community.
Naturism is a diverse and inclusive way of life that encourages individuals to accept their natural state, cultivate a deeper connection with nature, and build a community based on mutual respect and equality.
Naturists believe that naturism promotes a healthy and accepting relationship with the human body, regardless of shape, size or imperfections.
Many naturists are also advocates of environmental protection and sustainable living, believing in a close connection with nature.
Naturism also promotes a sense of equality, as clothing often signifies social status, and the lack of it can help break down those barriers.
There is something so liberating, so joyful about stripping.
My advice?
Don’t knock it until you try it.
For more information visit thisiseverybody.co.uk/everybody-festival.
*Name has been changed
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education