A Nude First at Nude Fest

To a few people, choosing an event like Nude Fest as my first social naturist outing might seem like a choice bordering on insanity — but to me it seemed like the perfect baptism into a world I have longed to be a proper part of since I was introduced to it 10 years ago. How I got into naturism is a story for another time, but in the area I live, naturism is a difficult lifestyle to choose.

Early this year I decided that if I was going to make myself known as a naturist there were two ways to do it: the easy way — which would be to go to a small event and "dip my toe" into the world — or the adventurous way. Guess which one I chose…

Preparing for the adventure

If anyone was to ask me how I first found out about Nude Fest I would give them the same answer and, to be honest, it's a pretty boring one — I can't remember. But I do remember why I started looking at British Naturism instead of the country I live in: I am a single male, and membership is not easy in my local club. I received a very positive introduction to British Naturism from one of its organising committee and paid my fees as soon as I could. When I first heard the date Nude Fest bookings were going live I had thoughts of it booking out as quickly as Glastonbury and had my booking made within the first hour. In hindsight I am both glad and not so glad — glad because it meant I had committed, not so glad because if I had known the programme I would have booked different days or a longer stay. Either way, I had my first holiday in 7 years booked. Now all I had to do was pack — but what does a person pack for a naturist holiday? Flying meant a liquids restriction, and I wanted to travel light to avoid luggage fees. So with a 7kg allowance I started making arrangements.

Welcome to Nude Fest

I didn't know what to expect when I got there and was pleasantly surprised to be greeted warmly, meeting a few people within an hour who would become acquaintances for the duration of my stay — I felt at home almost immediately. My first evening didn't get off to a good start when I was told I was blocking the door to the marquee; realising I didn't know anyone, I went back to my tent for my folding chair and spent the night in the bar area.

On to Day two

I was relieved to see a daily meet and greet — and even more relieved it came with a free cup of tea. Just like any first-day meet and greet, there were a lot of people who already knew each other but were happy to talk to the "new boy in town." It was here I met Jane and Kathy, running the shop, who helped with every enquiry — even offering me a place to charge the phone I was reluctant to use.

Don't forget your sun cream

It seems obvious in hindsight, but with the liquids restriction I hadn't given sun cream a second thought. It remains one of my fondest memories of Nude Fest. It started with dropping my phone to Kathy for charging and being invited to an outdoor coffee and cake morning. Two hours of talking, laughing and preparing a unique recipe for trifle whilst wondering why the sun felt so good on my shoulders was too much.

Charlotte's lunch

A small mention, but one of the unexpected finishing touches lodged in my memory. Arriving back at my tent, I thought I was seeing things — a small golfing-style buggy heading toward me. On board was a bubbly young lady called Charlotte offering a snacks-on-wheels service. What a lovely idea.

My last evening

It seems strange to jump from my first evening to my last, but two nights was the full duration of my stay. Around 7pm I met the crew and started regretting booking such a short visit. An Après Ski event with Baron Von Schmitthouse and four of the BN crew with painted-on Lederhosen — one of those events you simply had to see to believe.

Final reflection

If I had to sum it up in a few words it wouldn't do it justice, but let's just say "an experience I will not forget and hope to repeat." Two days is not enough, but at the time I wasn't sure how I'd get on with social naturism having only practised the lifestyle at home. The people, the atmosphere, the entertainment and the facilities at Thorney Lakes are amongst the best I have ever experienced. Wearing clothes again afterwards has been the most difficult thing I've had to do — I can see how restrictive textiles are, and apart from anything, clothes really itch. Skin doesn't.