Plans For A ‘Sexual Freedom Festival’ At Historic Irish Castle Have Been Met With Outrage

A "sexual freedom" festival due to take place in a historic castle in Co. Down has been met with outrage by officials.  The "erotic" event, organised by a group called Bliss Ireland, will include hot tubs, massages, workshops and performances of a highly sexual nature. The historic castle has been in the Hall family since 1670.  The event is set to take place next month on the grounds of Narrow Water Castle in Co. Down. The group have emphasised that their aim is to provide people with "opportunites for exploration and experimentation" to promote sexual health and pleasure. Although the castle has already been hired by the group for the event, the plans are being slammed by locals and officials. According to Belfast Live, former Lord Lieutenant of Co. Down and one of the venue's trustees, Sir William Hall, is one of the biggest objectors. Although Bliss Ireland's website states that sex acts will be conducted in the privacy of tents and would be "relatively unobserved", Sir William is not convinced. He said: "The notion that the people attending this festival will restrict their lewd behaviour to the privacy of tents and that there will be no abuse of alcohol or drugs is completely fanciful." Narrow Water Castle has been in the Hall family since 1670 and is now rented for events including weddings, parties and craft fairs. The publication reports that Sir William is taking legal action against festival proceedings.