by Joe Jeffrey
Naturist organisation finds new venue as more people decide to pack light
Thousands of naturists are set to descend upon a Somerset caravan park for the ninth annual Nudefest event.
The venue for the week-long festival has been confirmed as Thorney Lakes Caravan and Camping Park near Langport following a spike in interest by those looking to attend for 2016, after last year’s event – held in Newquay – proved more popular than ever before and saw around 300 attendees travel light.
The news of a change in venue owing to the popularity of the event has come as no surprise to some, with British Naturism communications manager, Andrew Welch, highlighting the impact of the ‘buff pound’, saying: “Nudefest has been a spectacular success. As with the many naturist events we hold in the UK, venue owners always invite us back as we are a fun, polite and respectful crowd and they tell us we are a real pleasure to have. It is clear that the ‘buff pound’ is now emerging as a significant market segment.
“We contribute to the local economy just like everybody else. We still put our money in the pay and display car parks, we still buy fish and chips after a trip to the beach – the difference is we do it without any clothes on.”
“We’re all the same underneath, and we’re all different underneath. Being nude is so much more than you might think – it’s a real shared experience.”
Thorney Lakes Caravan and Camping Park representative Sally England said of the event: “This came about because British Naturism approached Cartgate Tourism Information Centre, and the people from Somerset Tourism pointed them to us.
“We are a family-run campsite, so we had to make sure all the family were happy about it. But we are looking forward to it and will give them a warm welcome.”
Ms England added that the camp site would not be taking regular bookings during the event, allowing the nudists to have the site to themselves.
She continued: “I think this will be very good for the local economy – in fact it will be good for the whole of Somerset.”
Nudefest 2016 takes place between 5 – 11 July and will consist of host of activities for those looking to let it all hang out, including willow making, yoga, Indian dancing, archery, airgun range and painting to name just a few – just watch where you’re pointing that gun should you decide to attend!
For more information on Nudefest 2016 click here.
