BARING ALL

Donna Smiley, 43, let it all hang out at a nudist festival

- DONNA SMILEY FABULOUS

Throwing my arms in the air on the packed dance floor, I sing along at the top of my voice to the 70s classic YMCA. I'm not in a nightclub or at a house party, though - I'm at a naked disco and, bar a thong to protect my modesty, I'm starkers. Around me, boobs and willies of all shapes and sizes bounce to the beat of the music.

It sounds like one of those nightmares where you look down at yourself at an important event and realise to your horror that you're naked.

But I'm actually at the EveryBody Festival, an initiative held by British Naturism, which celebrates all things naked. Held annually in a beautiful, secluded woodland in Dorset, the festival has been running for two years and is part of British Naturism's action-packed calendar of nudist events around the UK.

Four nights long, its daily activities range from yoga, gong baths and rounders, through to a nightly disco and acoustic music tent for up to 500 of the UK's 6.75 million (and growing) naturists.

When I'd shared my plans with friends, reactions veered towards the 'are you crazy?' end of the spectrum.

One mate told me I should keep my pants on so strangers didn't see my genitals, while another asked if I was worried people might start having sex all around me. I actually felt relaxed about what I'd signed up for - I sunbathe topless on holiday and love the occasional skinny dip.

FEELING LIBERATED

Still, as the train pulls into the station and I pick up my small bag containing three pairs of pants, a towel and some toiletries, the nerves hit. Am I supposed to just whip off my dress on arrival? Are knickers OK if I don't feel ready to go the full monty?