York to host lesbian festival

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The biggest Lesbian Arts Festival in the country will be taking place in the city of York later this month. There are a range of events, some open to everyone, others women-only.

On Saturday 27th October a Book Festival will be held at York Racecourse.

The event and be packed with talented and inspiring authors and artists from the UK and USA.

Authors in attendance include Val McDermid, Stella Duffy, Rhona Cameron, Manda Scott and Sarah Waters.

The Book Festival is open to all women and men as guests of women.

During Saturday the York Lesbian Arts Festival Debate will look at lesbian identity and consider whether we need lesbian anything anymore, including lesbian art.

The panel will start with a screening of Inge Blackman’s short film Fem and another installment of Reina Lewis’ entertaining look at lesbian fashion, Out of the Closet and into the Wardrobe.

Julie McNamara will be compering the Open Mic Slot, where artists can step up and read or perform their work.

There will also be Fun Funky Fresh short performance events, including Fiona Cooper’s funny and moving Fantastic Voyage, Julie McNamara’s I’m Your Man with comic monologues and a bit of Leonard Cohen, plus the True Pride and Prejudice (the real natures of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy), a ridiculous regency romp by the YLAF Playas.

In the marketplace there will be a selection of stalls and places to purchase food.

On Saturday evening the events continue with Club DIVA.

DJs Sadie Lee (Lower the Tone), Claud Cunningham (Black Angel), DJ Ad Astra (Vanilla) and DJ Emma (Fuel, Climax) will be performing at what is billed as the UK’s biggest lesbian dance party, playing from 8:30pm to 2am and taking place over two floors.

Club DIVA is women-only. Trans and intersex people are welcome.

On Sunday 28th, from 12noon until 1.30pm, York City Centre will rock to the sound of lesbian performers at the outdoor Street Concert.

Singer-songwriter, Clare Mooney, will MC and play her critically-acclaimed repertoire of political, passionate and punchy tunes.

The event is entirely free and visitors will also be able to enjoy the sounds of the 8-strong acoustic singing group Deep C Divas, soulful duo Secret’s Out, drummers Sister Slap and witty, and occasionally moving, performance poetry from Helen Sandler.

The Street Concert is open to all, including children.

Pre-booked ticket prices cost £22 for the Book Festival and £14 for Club DIVA.

For more details click here. To book online at www.libertas.co.uk or by phone via Libertas on 0207485 8317