We are appealing to South Kesteven District Council to reconsider the issuing of the event licence for the "Swingathon 2026" held on 16th to 19th July at Bowthorpe Park Farm which sits within your area of authority.

We are making this appeal due to the avalanche of accusations of racism and homophobia levelled at the principal organiser, Matthew Cole. 

Whilst you may not be aware of this - several people who have previously worked for the event have come forward providing direct messages using a range of slurs against both people of colour and people from the queer community.

Phrases such as "faggot", "monkey lover" and "rag head" have been used in private conversations which expose that Mr Cole's supposed commitment to inclusion is nothing more than a sham and an exercise is profiting from marginalised groups.

As South Kesteven District Council you have a responsibility to ensure events that fall within your area of control to meet the four principle licensing objectives.

We believe that in granting a license for the event you may fall short in the specified area of point one: Prevention of Crime and Disorder - racist and homophobic language is openly classed as a hate crime, regardless of whether the conversation was conducted in private or not.

We trust that the council will consider the matter seriously and we welcome a dialogue with the licensing committee should they wish to do so.