I’ve always been an open-minded person, writes Caroline. I’d heard about Naturism and thought, “Why not? Life is too short.”, but never felt brave enough. After a death in my family an old friend, Jack, reached out to me. We quickly became an item, and he mentioned he enjoyed the freedom of walking around naked and had attended a naked wedding. I was immediately intrigued. He suggested we could go to the Naturist beach in Studland, and so we did! As soon as I got there, I got undressed immediately; it felt weird to be clothed among naked people. It felt so freeing and to swim naked felt so natural. I was hooked and now identify myself as a Naturist. I’ve never felt like I fit in with everyday society, never found where I belonged or my place, until I became a Naturist. I met many other people like me, a dreamer, looking for a kinder, safer environment to be ourselves in.
My first ever Naturist event was the Every Body Festival in 2023. With a lot of excitement and feeling just a little bit scared, I went for it. Jack and I camped on the hill on the site of the venue, Moonacre in Dorset, a beautiful, enclosed space. I was among like-minded people who felt free being naked as nature intended. I made so many lovely friends and took part in many workshops and activities including ‘laughter yoga’ (which was as hilarious as it sounds) a Holi paint fight and a trip to Splashdown, the local waterpark. As soon as tickets were available for the next year, we booked immediately. I had had so much fun, it really was the start of something amazing.
So we arrived in August at the same venue, on the Thursday and were pleasantly surprised by the sight of many naked bodies already present and gathering around the fire pit. All told there were 200 attendees across the event, almost twice the number from 2023 including people from USA, India, Spain, Ireland, Belgium and Germany – maybe as a result of the grant from the International Naturist Federation. There was a mixture of excitement and anticipation as the event began. There is something special about Every Body festival, and such a strong sense of community. A safe space to be myself. Once again I felt confident in my own skin.
We were pleased to meet with friends we made the previous year, taking part in icebreaker introductions, a quiz, and a wonderful evening around the fire meeting new people on that first evening. On Friday, blessed with good weather, many people were sat on the hill, chatting about anything and everything. There’s something about an event where being clothes-free helps break down the barriers in everyday society and also removes any expectations of social status and judgement. Stripped back to our naked selves, there is no illusion of hierarchy. We are all simply human.
I got to try a new experience I’ve always secretly wanted to – water zorbing! Jack and I got into the two-man inflatable on the water and (unsuccessfully) spent most of our time trying to gain our footing. It was great fun! Then, there was a friendly dodgeball tournament in a specially designed court on the main field. In the evening was a personal highlight – the UV paint party. I love to dance and sing. Everyone looked great enjoying themselves and being free.
With many events being held throughout the festival there was no shortage of things to do. Lots of people spent time in the Magic Teapot music venue and enjoyed a photography workshop, rounders and fitness, yoga and meditation sessions.
Later in the weekend we were part of a unique experience; dozens of us, spelling words with our bodies for a set of body-positive drone pictures. I like to get creative, so joined in the clay crafts workshop and created a vase. Jack thoroughly enjoyed taking part in possibly a world-first – naked combat archery! After the annual trip to the local Splashdown water park, mixing also with Naturists not attending Splashdown we enjoyed a silent disco, with three channels so there was always something to dance to.
The next morning, I was glad there was a massage workshop, teaching us how to perform gentle massage on our partners. It wouldn’t have been Every Body without the popular Holi paint fight, followed by a slip and slide down the hill. I had a go at body portrait drawing (“No Pants-o-graph”) where I laid on the ground as Jack and I drew around each other to create a still image using a fascinating contraption.
Although many were completely strangers, what I loved the most was how we are a community and share a bond. A mutual respect regardless of what we look like and who we are. With live music, dancing and too many workshops to name taking place – equally as much fun had simply laying on the hill meeting new people and forming some wonderful new friendships – I can’t recommend the festival enough. I have built up my confidence and tried so many new things.
We can’t wait till next year!
Caroline
Every Body is set to run again in 2025 at Moonacre from 31 July to 4 August